Thousands gather to pray for Pope Francis as Vatican gives latest health update

Those gathered expressed sorrow for his suffering, hope for his recovery and gratitude for his efforts to steer the Catholic Church in new directions

FILE – Faithful make the sign of the cross during a rosary vigil prayer for Pope John Paul II’s health in St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican, Friday, April 1, 2005. Picture: AP Photo/Luca Bruno, file

Pope Francis, who is in critical condition in hospital battling double pneumonia, rested well throughout the night, the Vatican said on Tuesday.

The 88-year-old pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with a serious respiratory illness that has since triggered other health problems.