Pope Francis conveyed optimism about his recovery in a message released on Sunday (Feb 23) in place of his weekly Angelus prayer and urged people to pray for his recovery.

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The 88-year-old, who has been in the hospital for 10 days now, expressed trust in his medical treatment and appreciation for the prayers and support he has received.

According to Vatican sources, the pope penned the message in recent days, likely before he suffered a respiratory attack on Saturday.

Following the incident, the Holy See issued a statement cautioning that the pontiff's condition "continues to be critical".

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"I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment—and rest is also part of the therapy!" the pontiff wrote in the statement.

He also expressed his gratitude to the medical team at the hospital, where he has been receiving treatment since February 14 for bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia.

"In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children," the pope added.

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"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."

Traditionally, the pope delivers his weekly Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace, overlooking St. Peter's Square. He typically calls for peace, which he again did in his statement on Sunday as Russia's invasion of Ukraine will enter it's third year on Monday.

"Tomorrow will be the third anniversary of the large-scale war against Ukraine: a painful and shameful occasion for the whole of humanity!" he wrote.

"As I reiterate my closeness to the suffering Ukrainian people, I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts, and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel and throughout the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu and Sudan."

Also read: Pope Francis' funeral ‘being rehearsed’ as Swiss Guard 'prepare'; Italy PM Meloni visits pontiff: Reports

Pope Francis in 'critical' condition 

The Vatican said on Saturday (Feb 22) that Pope Francis had a respiratory attack and his condition "continues to be critical". The treatment required "high-flow oxygen" and also blood transfusions. 

The Vatican said, "At the moment the prognosis is reserved," as the 88-year-old spent his ninth night in Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he was diagnosed this week with double pneumonia. 

In its regular early evening update, the Vatican said, "The Holy Father's condition continues to be critical, therefore, as explained yesterday, the pope is not out of danger." 

"This morning Pope Francis presented a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, which also required the application of high-flow oxygen," it added. 

The statement further mentioned that daily blood tests of the head of the Catholic Church "showed thrombocytopenia, associated with anaemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions". 

"The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair even if he was suffering more than yesterday," it said. 

The Vatican also said that Francis has been moving between his bed, a chair, and an adjacent chapel where he prays and has also been doing some work. 

(With inputs from agencies)