Pope Francis has asked Catholics to pray for him, as he continues to receive treatment in hospital for double pneumonia.
The pontiff was unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person for the second Sunday running.
But in a message written over the last few days, he said he was "confidently continuing" his hospitalisation at Rome's Gemelli Hospital and "carrying on with the necessary treatment".
The message comes after the Vatican revealed on Saturday that the 88-year-old's condition continues to be "critical".
In his message, released on Sunday, the Pope thanked the doctors and health workers at the hospital, and well-wishers who sent in messages.
"In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children," he wrote.
"Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me."
