ROME and LONDON -- Pope Francis ' clinical condition remains "stable" on Sunday, the Vatican said, as the pontiff continues to be hospitalized for the 17th consecutive day.

Pope Francis, hospitalized for more than two weeks with double pneumonia, Sunday thanked believers around the world for their "support" and "affection".

Pope Francis remained stable through the day on Sunday and no longer required the use of mechanical ventilation to breathe, the Vatican said, in a sign of progress as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia.