Francis remains in critical condition but has not suffered any additional crises, the Vatican said Sunday evening, after reporting Saturday the pope suffered a “long asthmatic respiratory crisis” days after he was hospitalized for pneumonia.

“Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he continues to receive in these hours,” the Vatican statement said. The pope expressed particular gratitude for the well wishes he received from his fellow patients in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and asked for continued prayers.

Dozens gathered inside the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in the South End Sunday night. The mass was dedicated to Pope Francis.

Catholics from across Argentina have flocked to churches to pray for the recovery of native son Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope in history.