Francis, 88, remained hospitalized in Rome while the Vatican celebrated the Mass for the Jubilee of the World of Volunteers.

Pope Francis's condition was stable on the 24th day of his stay at Rome's Gemelli hospital and the picture remains complex, Vatican sources said on Sunday. The sources said the Vatican press office will not release an official update on Sunday on the condition of the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff,

Pope Francis issued a message Sunday thanking volunteers for the “miracle of tenderness” they offer the sick, as he continued his recovery from double pneumonia and doctors reported positive news. After more than three weeks in the hospital,

In his absence, the Vatican’s day-to-day operations continued alongside celebrations of its Holy Year, the once-every-quarter-century Jubilee that brings millions of pilgrims to Rome. On Sunday, Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, who is close to Francis, celebrates the Holy Year Mass for volunteers that Francis was supposed to have celebrated.

Pope Francis, 88, has been in a Rome hospital for 3 weeks, but he was well enough as he recovers from pneumonia to record a first message for his supporters.

The expatriate community is small but shares a special bond with Francis, who has been in the hospital since Feb. 14.