Pope Francis has sent a message to 1.2 billion Catholics across the world after the Vatican confirmed he was in a critical condition. The 88-year-old is being treated for pneumonia in both lungs and chronic bronchitis at the Catholic Gemelli Hospital in Rome where he was admitted almost 10 days ago.

In his Angelus message delivered from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis expressed gratitude to medical staff and called for prayers for Ukraine.

The Gemelli hospital has been treating popes for more than thirty years.

The Holy Father has experienced ‘no further respiratory crisis’ since Saturday. Since his situation is ‘complex,’ the statement said, the Pope’s prognosis ‘remains reserved.’

Pope Francis remains under treatment for a “polymicrobial” respiratory infection at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Nicknamed “Vatican III” by John Paul II, this medical complex has been welcoming ailing popes since the 20th century in what resembles a “small city.

A view shows the statue of late Pope John Paul II outside the Gemelli Hospital where Pope Francis is admitted to continue treatment for his ongoing respiratory tract infection, in Rome, Italy, February 19,

Rome's Gemelli University Hospital, located just five kilometres from the Vatican, has long been the preferred medical facility for popes. Situated on Monte Mario in the western part of the Italian capital,

Pope Francis, spending his seventh day in hospital as he battles pneumonia, is alert and got out of bed to eat breakfast on Thursday morning, the Vatican said. The 88-year-old pontiff is undergoing treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital,