ISTANBUL

Pope Francis remains in stable condition while undergoing treatment for a bout of bronchitis, the Vatican has announced.

The 88-year-old pontiff, hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday, is responding well to medical care, according to the Vatican’s press office.

"This morning, he received the Eucharist and watched Holy Mass on television. In the afternoon, he alternated between reading and resting," the Vatican said in a statement on Sunday.

Francis expressed gratitude to healthcare professionals and the public.

"I would like to thank the doctors and health care workers in this hospital for their care: they do such a valuable and tiring job," he said in a written message.

He also acknowledged the support he has received, adding: "Thank you for the affection, prayer, and closeness with which you are accompanying me in these days."

The Vatican previously announced that Francis would not lead traditional prayers as doctors had advised "absolute rest."

Francis has been suffering from bronchitis for several days.

However, on Friday morning he was still able to carry out his scheduled audiences, meeting with Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico.