Pope Francis has asked Catholics to pray for him, as he continues to receive treatment in hospital for double pneumonia. The pontiff was unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person for the second Sunday running.

Pope Francis, who is battling double pneumonia in hospital, had a "tranquil" night and rested, the Vatican said on Sunday. The pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 after experiencing difficulty breathing for several days and subsequently had pneumonia diagnosed in both lungs.

Pope Francis gave an update on his medical crisis Sunday as he remained in serious condition battling double pneumonia in a Rome hospital. The 88-year-old pope shared that he was “confidently continuing” his health battle in a written message of his regular Angelus prayer,