Dozens of children toting yellow and white balloons have gathered outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital to greet Pope Francis on his fifth week hospitalized with double pneumonia.

The Pope said he is facing a "period of trial" as he issued his traditional Sunday prayer from hospital. Pope Francis, 88, thanked worshippers for "all your prayers", expressing his gratitude to those "who assist me with such dedication". The pontiff is being treated at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

I am sharing these thoughts with you while I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me,' wrote the pope in a message from the hospital,