Get breaking news alerts and special reports. The news and stories that matter, delivered weekday mornings.

Photographs of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, 88, appeared in official media on Monday for the first time since August, showing him slightly hunched over while seated, but appearing animated as he spoke with a student leader.

Speculation over Castro's health has intensified since the historic Dec. 17 announcement by his younger brother, and current president, Raul Castro, and U.S. President Barack Obama, that the two longtime adversaries would restore diplomatic ties. Castro, who periodically writes a column, went silent after the announcement until finally commenting a week ago, when he offered lukewarm support for the pact his brother reached with Obama.

The pictures of Castro with student leader Randy Perdomo were taken on Jan. 23, according to Perdomo's account, which appeared with the photos on the website of the Communist Party newspaper Granma on Monday night.

Former Cuban President Fidel Castro talks to President of Cuba's University Students Federation Randy Perdomo as Castro's wife Dalia looks on during a meeting in Havana. Cubadebate via Reuters

IN-DEPTH:

—Reuters