“Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he continues to receive in these hours,” the Vatican statement said. The pope expressed particular gratitude for the well wishes he received from his fellow patients in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and asked for continued prayers.

The 88-year-old Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital since Feb. 14 and has been diagnosed with double pneumonia, "continues to be alert and well oriented," it said.