New Delhi, March 2 -- Pope Francis, in a stable condition as he battles pneumonia in hospital for the 17th day, met two Vatican officials on Sunday and offered thanks to well-wishers for their prayers and support in a written message.

Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with respiratory problems that degenerated into double pneumonia - a serious infection in both lungs that can inflame and scar them, making it difficult to breathe.

The Vatican said on Saturday evening that the pontiff's condition had stabilised, following an "isolated" breathing crisis a day earlier.

"I would like to thank you for the prayers," Francis said in a note released by the Vatican in place of his usual Sunday prayer with pilgri...