Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square Monday evening to pray for an ailing Pope Francis, expressing sorrow for his suffering, hope for his recovery and gratitude for his efforts to steer the Catholic Church in new directions.

Pope Francis, who is in critical condition in hospital battling double pneumonia, rested well throughout the night, the Vatican said on Tuesday. The 88-year-old pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with a serious respiratory illness that has since triggered other health problems.

The Vatican said Pope Francis is still recovering from illness as he continues to undergo medical therapies. Officials said Pope Francis is in critical condition as he battles pneumonia and early kidney failure. He was awake and eating normally during his treatments. Crowds have been gathering at Vatican City to pray for his recovery.