The Vatican has released the first photograph of the pope in more than a month, showing Pope Francis wearing a purple Lenten liturgical vestments sitting in a wheelchair in front of an altar in the hospital chapel.

The Vatican on Sunday released the first photograph of Pope Francis since the 88-year-old pontiff was hospitalised for bronchitis on February 14. The photograph, taken from behind, shows Pope Francis wearing a purple shawl and sitting in a wheelchair in front of an altar with a crucifix on the wall.

The Vatican released the first photograph of Pope Francis since the 88-year-old pontiff was admitted more than a month ago to hospital for pneumonia in both lungs.