JOHANNESBURG - Pope Francis is in a stable condition according to the latest statement from the Vatican.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling double pneumonia for a few weeks and has been receiving treatment at Rome's Gemelli hospital.
READ: Pope Francis 'resting' as condition improves: Vatican
Catholics and religious leaders around the world have been offering prayers for the Pope's recovery.
A special mass was held at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg on Sunday.
Father Hugh O’Connor, from the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference, spoke to eNCA.