A group of faithful gathered under the statue of John Paul II at Gemelli hospital on Sunday afternoon to pray for Pope Francis’ health. (AP video shot by Isaia Montelione / produced by Francesco Sport

Pope Francis has spent 18 full days at Rome’s Gemelli hospital recovering from double pneumonia. It’s by far the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.

Pope Francis is showing a "good response" to his treatment in hospital for double pneumonia and his overall condition is gradually improving, the Vatican said on Saturday. Francis, 88, has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for more than three weeks with a severe respiratory infection that has required continuously evolving treatment.