The Vatican press office on Sunday released a picture of Pope Francis for the first time since he was hospitalized on February 14. Although he remains in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, his health has shown significant improvement in the past week. Doctors lifted their guarded prognosis last Monday.

In the photo, Francis appears in prayer after celebrating mass on Sunday morning at the hospital’s private chapel. He was photographed from the back, and he can be seen looking at the crucifix on the altar while sitting in a wheelchair, wearing a white robe and a purple stole.

According to Vatican News, the Holy See’s official news website, the pope has gone to pray at the chapel “every day since his medical condition has shown slight improvements.” He is still taking medication and receiving pharmacological, respiratory and physical therapy. The latter has shown to be the most beneficial so far.

On Sunday, the Pope continued with some work, but did not receive any visitors. His Angelus reflections, which he used to deliver every Sunday at noon at Saint Peter’s Square, were read out at the square with a message to those who are also going through illness.

“Our bodies are weak, but even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being shining signs of hope for one another in faith,” the pope wrote.

As of Sunday evening, his medical condition remained stable, Vatican News added. Although medical updates have been less frequent due to his improvement, Francis’ condition still remains “complex,” doctors have said.

Last Monday, a Holy See press release said his health improvements had been “consolidated” with blood tests and clinical findings showing good signs. They clarified that he would have to remain in hospital receiving pharmacological treatment due to the “complexity” of his clinical picture and “the severe infection present at the time of hospitalization.”

Alarms were raised when Francis suffered episodes of bronchial spasms and respiratory insufficiency in late February and early March, and had to be put on non-invasive ventilation. However, the need for mechanical ventilation has gradually reduced.

On Thursday, he celebrated the 12-year anniversary of his pontificate with the hospital staff.