SICKLY Pope Francis has been seen for the first time after suffering severe breathing problems and getting placed on a ventilator in his hospital battle.

Francis was first rushed to Rome‘s Gemelli Hospital on February 14, where he has remained ever since.

The Vatican shared a heartwarming image of the Pope celebrating Holy Mass.

The social media post read: “This morning #PopeFrancis concelebrated the Holy Mass in the chapel of the apartment on the tenth floor of the Policlinico Gemelli.”

In the latest health update, the Pope said he faces a “period of trial” and thanked well-wishers for their prayers.

The 88-year-old referred to Biblical passages and prayed for peace in “countries wounded by war”.

After getting taken to hospital in February, Francis was later diagnosed with double-lung pneumonia, and his condition has been up and down.

Last week, Francis released a short audio message in his native Spanish thanking people for their prayers.

The 30-second recording was shared with worshippers at the start of the evening Rosary prayer in St Peter’s Square on Thursday.

The great Pontiff’s faint, breathless voice gave a clue to the severity of his condition, shocking many who had spent weeks longing to hear from him.

The cardinal presiding over the touching moment told the crowd he had “beautiful news, a beautiful gift” to share before the clip played.

A pre-recording of the Pope said: “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square, I accompany you from here.

“May God bless you and may the Virgin protect you. Thank you”.

The moved worshippers soon started to applaud the Pope’s bravery for speaking.

Rumours of Pope Francis’ resignation gained momentum amid his illness.

The Vatican has been firm in denying rumours that the Pope is considering a resignation.

But French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, who is tipped to be one of the contenders to replace Francis, said at a press conference that “everything is possible.”

Despite growing fears about his health, Francis has continued some of his work from his sickbed such as meeting with senior church members and conducting phone calls.