STORY: Pope Francis, who is receiving treatment in hospital for a respiratory tract infection, will not appear in public on Sunday to lead his usual weekly prayer, the Vatican said in a statement on Saturday.
The pontiff, who is 88, has been suffering from bronchitis for more than a week.
He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday morning.
People were seen outside of the hospital on Saturday, praying for Francis’ quick recovery near a statue dedicated to the late Pope John Paul II – who was also treated there during his long papacy.
One such adherent was Sister Jeanne, a passionate nun who lives in Rome, who told Reuters she hopes the prayers support the pope so that he can continue his ministry.
The Vatican said in the statement that the pope has seen some improvement.
Earlier, the Vatican said he would remain in hospital as long as necessary for his treatment.
Gemelli hospital, Rome’s largest, has a special suite for treating popes.
Francis, who has been pontiff since 2013, has had influenza and other health issues several times over the past two years.
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