The Vatican released the first image of Pope Francis on Sunday since his hospitalization 31 days ago due to respiratory issues. In the photo, the pontiff, who admitted he is going through “a moment of trial,” is seen partially from the side while participating in a Mass.

“This morning, Pope Francis concelebrated Holy Mass in the chapel of the tenth floor apartment of the Gemelli Polyclinic,” where he has been hospitalized since February 14, the Holy See stated.

The image shows the Argentinian Jesuit seated, slightly bowed before the altar in his private chapel. Although the Vatican mentioned the presence of “other priests,” the 88-year-old pontiff appears alone and without the high-flow nasal cannula he uses during the day in the hospital to assist his breathing.

So far, Pope Francis has not made any public appearances, and his only direct message was a short audio recording released on March 6, in which he, with a tired voice and labored breathing, thanked the faithful for their prayers.

“I am going through a moment of trial,” the Pope acknowledged this Sunday in his traditional Angelus message, which, for the fifth consecutive week, was delivered in writing as he was unable to recite it publicly. “Our body is weak, but even so, nothing can stop us from loving and praying,” he added.

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The latest medical update, released Saturday night by the Vatican, stated that his health remains stable, but he still requires ongoing treatment for bilateral pneumonia at the hospital despite his gradual improvement.

The U.S. military has announced the deployment of more than 600 additional troops to the Mexico border, reinforcing President Donald Trump’s efforts against illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

According to the U.S. Northern Command (Northcom), the new deployment includes 40 Air Force intelligence analysts and 590 Army engineers. This move will increase the total number of troops currently stationed or scheduled for deployment at the southern border to approximately 9,600.

The decision aligns with the administration’s broader border security strategy, emphasizing intelligence gathering, infrastructure development, and operational support for law enforcement agencies.

Andrew Hohns, renowned investor and founder of Newmarket Capital, recently introduced his ‘Bitcoin Bonds’ at the Bitcoin for America event. This innovative mechanism combines traditional U.S. Treasury bonds with investments in Bitcoin, aiming to lower federal debt costs while building a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the government.

Hohns’ plan proposes issuing $2 trillion in bonds, allocating 10% to Bitcoin purchases and 90% to other government expenditures. These bonds would offer a significantly lower interest rate of 1%, compared to the current 4.5% on 10-year bonds—potentially saving the federal government $554 billion over a decade.

A unique feature of these bonds is that investors would not only receive the standard 4.5% annual interest but also share profits from Bitcoin’s value appreciation with the government. Additionally, Hohns advocates for tax exemptions on capital gains and interest earnings from these bonds, making them an attractive option for American families looking to hedge against inflation.

“This plan doesn’t just cut debt costs—it provides American families with a new savings tool,” said Hohns.