Pope Francis, who has spent the past two nights in the hospital for bronchitis treatment, thanked those praying for his recovery and apologized for missing Mass at the Vatican on Sunday.

The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Friday due to a respiratory tract infection. His doctors have ordered him to rest, preventing him from delivering his regular Sunday prayer to pilgrims at St. Peter’s Square.

In his Angelus message, the pope apologized to attendees of the Jubilee for Artists and the World of Culture, who had hoped to meet with him and celebrate Mass with him.

"I would have liked to be among you but, as you know, I am here at the Gemelli hospital because I still need some treatment for my bronchitis," the pope wrote in his Angelus message, as reported by Catholic Weekly.

"Thank you for the affection, prayer and closeness with which you are accompanying me in these days," his message said, "and 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, let us support them with prayer!"

As he often does during his Angelus address, Pope Francis also called on people to pray for peace, specifically mentioning "Ukraine, Palestine, Israel and all the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu (in Congo), and Sudan."

Cardinal Joss Tolentino de Mendonca, who presided over the Mass, opened the service with a message of support.

"Our first thought goes to Pope Francis. We pray for his health, offering thanks for the vision and support that he always gives us," he said.

The Vatican stated that the pope was in “stable” condition, had a second restful night in the hospital, woke up, ate breakfast, and was reading newspapers.

Over 30 million visitors are expected in Rome as the Catholic Church has designated 2025 a Jubilee Year.

The Jubilee, held every 25 years, is a time for reflection and penance. It features numerous cultural and religious events, many led by the pope. #