Pope Francis, who is still in hospital, said this Sunday that he was "going through a time of trial", in the Angelus broadcast in text.

"I share these thoughts with you, because I am going through a time of trial, and I join so many sick brothers and sisters: fragile, at this moment, like me. Our bodies are weak, but even so, nothing prevents us from loving, from praying, from giving ourselves, from being for one another, in faith, luminous signs of hope," said the Pontiff, according to the Vatican.

In the text, the leader of the Catholic Church acknowledged the work of those who care for the sick and took the opportunity to thank all the health professionals, those who help him "with such dedication", but also for all the "prayers".

"How much light shines, in this sense, in hospitals and places of assistance! How much affection illuminates the rooms, the corridors, the clinics, the places where the most humble services are carried out! That's why I'd like to invite you today to join me in praising the Lord, who never abandons us and who, in times of pain, places people at our side who reflect a ray of his love," he said.

"I thank you all for your prayers and I thank those who help me with such dedication. I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here to the Gemelli today as a sign of closeness. Thank you, dear children! The Pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you," he added.

Yesterday, around 300 children from schools, associations and various institutions gathered outside the hospital, in front of the statue of John Paul II, with balloons, drawings and letters to give to Francis, and shouted his name.

The initiative came from the Pontifical Committee for World Children's Day, created in November by Francis.

According to the latest update, shared by the Vatican on Saturday, Francis remains stable and is gradually improving, but will still have to remain in hospital for an undetermined period.