Pope Francis, in stable condition in hospital, thanks faithful for their support.

Reuters - Pope Francis, who remains in stable condition while battling pneumonia in hospital for the 17th day, met with two senior Vatican officials on Sunday and thanked the faithful for their prayers and support in a written message.

Francisco, 88, was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 with respiratory problems that developed into double pneumonia – a serious infection affecting both lungs, which can cause inflammation and scarring, making breathing difficult.

On Saturday night, the Vatican reported that the pontiff's condition had stabilized, following an "isolated respiratory crisis" that occurred the day before.

"I would like to thank you for your prayers," Francis wrote in a note released by the Vatican, replacing the traditional Sunday prayer with the faithful, which the pope was unable to lead for the third consecutive week.

"I feel all your affection and closeness and... I feel 'carried' and sustained by all of God's people," the message added.

This Sunday, Pope Francis also received Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and his deputy at the hospital, according to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, who did not provide further details about the meeting.

The Pope, known for his intense work schedule, has continued to lead the Vatican even during his hospitalization. He had already met with Parolin and his deputy at the Gemelli Hospital on February 24th.

Earlier on Sunday, the Vatican released a brief update stating that Francis had slept well overnight. A more detailed medical bulletin on his health was expected Sunday evening.

A Vatican official, who preferred not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak about the pontiff's health, said that Francis was eating normally, moving around in his hospital room, and continuing with his treatment.

A more optimistic tone - The Pope suffered a constriction of the airways on Friday, similar to an asthma attack. However, in a more optimistic tone on Saturday, the Vatican reported that his blood circulation remained stable and that there was no increase in his white blood cell count, indicating a possible improvement from the infection.

"The Holy Father's clinical condition remained stable," the Vatican declared on Saturday, adding that the prognosis was still guarded, meaning Francis was not yet out of danger.

The Holy See also reported that, for the second consecutive day, the Pope required non-invasive mechanical ventilation, alternating this support with "long periods of high-flow oxygen therapy."

Over the past two years, Francisco has faced several health problems and is more susceptible to lung infections because he had pleurisy in his youth and had to have part of a lung removed.

Since his hospitalization, the pontiff has not been seen in public, marking his longest period of absence since the beginning of his papacy in March 2013. Doctors have not yet said how long the treatment will have to continue.