The Vatican on Sunday released the first photograph of Pope Francis since he was admitted to hospital over a month ago.

The image shows the 88-year-old pontiff celebrating Mass in his prayer room on Sunday morning.

The Pope is seen wearing a purple stole while sitting alone in a wheelchair in front of an altar.

He is the only person visible in the photograph.

“This morning, Pope Francis concelebrated the Holy Mass in the chapel of the apartment on the 10th floor of the Policlinico Gemelli,” a Vatican statement read.

Earlier today, the Pope said he was facing a “period of trial” as he delivered his traditional Sunday prayer from hospital.

He also thanked worshippers for their prayers, expressing gratitude to those assisting him with such dedication.

The Pope was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on 14 February.

He has not been seen in public since, having initially been hospitalised with bronchitis before later being diagnosed with double pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection.

Vatican releases first picture of Pope Francis since he fell sick