Pope Francis has requested prayers from Catholics as he continues receiving treatment for double pneumonia in the hospital.
The 88-year-old was first admitted to hospital on 14 February after experiencing difficulties breathing for several days.
Pope Francis has requested prayers from Catholics as he continues receiving treatment for double pneumonia in the hospital.
In his message, released on Sunday, the Pope thanked the doctors and health workers at the hospital, and well-wishers who sent in messages.
"In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children," he wrote.
"Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me."
For the second consecutive Sunday, the Pope was unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person. However, in a message written over the past few days, he expressed confidence as he remains hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, continuing with the necessary treatment.
The message comes after the Vatican revealed on Saturday that the 88-year-old's condition continues to be "critical".
The 88-year-old was first admitted to hospital on 14 February after experiencing difficulties breathing for several days.
He is especially prone to lung infections due to developing pleurisy - an inflammation around the lungs - as an adult and having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21.
During his 12 years as leader of the Roman Catholic church, the Argentine has been admitted to hospital several times, including in March 2023 when he spent three nights in hospital with bronchitis.