“Pope Francis is touched by the many messages of affection and intimacy he has received recently,” the statement added.
“He especially wants to thank those hospitalized at this time. For the love and love they expressed through pictures and messages of good wishes, he prays for them and they will be his. I ask you to pray for it.”
Before entering last week, the Pope had been suffering from bronchitis symptoms for several days and delegated officials to read the speeches prepared at the event.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni also told reporters Monday that the clergy is doing well.
A brief statement on his condition stated, “All tests performed so far show a complex clinical picture that requires proper hospitalization.”
The Pope’s weekly general audience, which usually takes place every Wednesday, was cancelled this week, the statement added.
Over the weekend, the Vatican said the Pope was stable and was told he would take “full rest” to help him recover.
On Friday and Saturday, he held a video call with the Holy Family Parish of Gaza, led by Father Gabriel Romanelli.
“We heard him. It’s true, he’s more tired. He himself said, ‘I have to take care of myself.’ But you could hear a clear voice, he heard us a lot,” Father Romanelli told Vatican News.
On Sunday, Father Romanelli said he only received text messages from the Pope, thanking the parish for his hopes.
The Pope was unable to deliver regular weekly prayers at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, or to lead special Mass for artists to mark the year of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee.
He also held a meeting at a Vatican residence last week to try to rest and recover.
Members of the masses outside St. Peter Basilica share their well wishes with the Pope.
Bernard, an Australian living in England and visiting Rome with his children, said, “We will say prayers for the Pope.”
“They always take on work when they are already older, so yes, they often suffer from medical problems as a result,” he told the BBC.
