Pope Francis was a frequent visitor to Rome long before he became pope. ROME — Pope Francis was a frequent visitor to Rome long before he became pope, and over time found his favorite shops and artisans who are now pulling for him as he battles double pneumonia.

Our community is living these days of apprehension in prayer,” said Father Fernando Laguna. “It’s the only way we can be close to the pope. It’s our way of sending him a big kiss and hug.”

Pope Francis is sitting upright and continuing to receive treatment for double pneumonia, more than a week after he was admitted to a hospital in Rome. The Vatican said the pope had a peaceful night and was sitting in his armchair on Wednesday receiving therapy.

Hundreds of Argentines attended a special mass Monday for their countryman Pope Francis, hospitalized in a critical condition with pneumonia in Rome. They gathered on the same square in Buenos Aires where as archbishop,

Monday marks Pope Francis’ 10th day in the hospital, making this equal to the longest hospitalization of his papacy.

"There have been no acute respiratory episodes and hemodynamic parameters continue to be stable. In the evening, he underwent a scheduled CT scan for radiological monitoring of the bilateral pneumonia. The prognosis remains uncertain," the Vatican said Tuesday.

After showing a slight improvement in his overall condition, which doctors say remains critical, Pope Francis continues to rest as daily prayers and liturgies are being offered throughout the world for his recovery.

The Vatican says Pope Francis is in critical condition after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen.

According to the Vatican, Pope Francis, 88, was still in critical condition Sunday but “remains alert and well-oriented” and took part in Mass on Sunday morning. The Vatican said “some

Catholics from across Argentina have flocked to churches to pray for the recovery of native son Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope in history

The pope has spent nine nights at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, receiving treatment for pneumonia and other health complications. He is "alert and well-oriented" and attended Mass on the 10th floor of the hospital today, the Holy See Press Office said.

Hundreds of Argentines attended a special mass yesterday for their countryman Pope Francis, hospitalised in a critical condition with pneumonia