Pope Francis has said he faces a "period of trial" as he thanked well-wishers on Sunday for their prayers. The Argentine pontiff has been recovering in hospital from pneumonia, after he was admitted on 14 February. In today's message, the 88-year-old referenced Biblical passages and prayed for peace in "countries wounded by war".

The pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14 with a severe respiratory infection that has required evolving treatment.

The photo is said to have been taken Sunday when Francis was co-celebrating Mass in the chapel of his hospital suite where he has been battling a health crisis.