The 88-year-old pope was hospitalized in Rome on Friday with a fever. He was described as being in fairly good condition and in good spirits.
Over the weekend, he has undergone tests that point in the right direction. On Sundays, the pope normally holds his Angelus prayer at St. Peter's Square, but skipped both the prayer and the mass at St. Peter's Church.
This since the doctors have ordered "absolute rest".
"I would have liked to be among you, but as you know, I am here in the hospital because I still need some treatment for my respiratory infection", the pope says in a written statement to the mass participants.
The Catholic Church has declared 2025 a special holy year, something that is celebrated every 25th year, and over 30 million visitors are expected to come to Rome.
A spokesperson for the church says it is "absolutely necessary" for the pope to regain his strength before the long holy year.
