Pope Francis was sitting upright and receiving therapy for double pneumonia Wednesday, the Vatican said, as Argentines, Romans and others kept up the steady stream of prayers for his recovery.

Faithful gathered at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican and outside Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Monday (February 24) as Pope Francis remains critically ill but alert, according to the Vatican. Could these jumping mice change how astronauts exercise?

Catholics in Buenos Aires attended Mass on Sunday to pray for Pope Francis' recovery. (Video by Cristian Kovadloff)

The pontiff "continues to be alert and well oriented" and has not had any further respiratory crises, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis remained in critical condition as Argentines and Romans gathered in the Eternal City to pray for his recovery from double pneumonia.

While the Vatican has detailed laws and rituals to ensure the transfer of power when a pope dies or resigns, they do not apply if he is sick or even unconscious.

Cardinal Michael Czerny says Pope Francis has meant a great deal to the Catholic church — and to the world — as he served with a view to the 'common good.' Czerny, a Canadian who was appointed to his current role by Francis,

Pope Francis's condition "remains critical", the Vatican said Sunday on his 10th day in hospital as Catholics around the world prayed for the 88-year-old's recovery.

Catholics in Buenos Aires attended Mass on Sunday to pray for Pope Francis' recovery. (Video by Cristian Kovadloff)

The pope looms so large in everyday Italian life that there are lots of expressions that make light of even a dark event like his death.