Pope Francis, hospitalised in critical condition with pneumonia in both lungs, was conscious and "not in pain" Monday, the Vatican and a source said, amid global concern over the pontiff's health. His initial bronchitis developed into double pneumonia and on Saturday the Vatican warned for the first time that the pope's condition was critical.

“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.