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 thanked worshippers for "all your prayers", expressing his gratitude to those "who assist me with such dedication".

For the fifth successive Sunday, Pope Francis sent a brief written note from the hospital for his weekly Angelus message.