As Pope Francis continued his treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital Sunday, he expressed gratitude to medical staff while marking the approaching third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a prepared Angelus message.

The Vatican announced Saturday that Pope Francis remains in critical condition at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following a respiratory crisis that required blood transfusions.

Rome's Gemelli University Hospital, located just five kilometres from the Vatican, has long been the preferred medical facility for popes. Situated on Monte Mario in the western part of the Italian capital,