Pope sits upright in armchair as Argentines in Rome pray for his recovery

The Pope has been in hospital since February 14 (AP)

The Pope is sitting upright and receiving therapy for double pneumonia, the Vatican said, as Argentines, Romans and others kept up a steady stream of prayers for his recovery.

Francis remains in a critical condition but the Holy See machinery ground on, with the announcement of new bishops and a new church fundraising initiative.