Visitors and pilgrims from across the world who have gathered at the Vatican have expressed their concern for the Pope who remains in hospital with bronchitis.

Many had travelled from afar, hoping to attend Saturday's audience with Pope Francis, only to learn he was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital yesterday.

Some expressed disappointment, while others spoke of their concern and prayers for his recovery:

“We are very worried, we came actually to see him at the Vatican this weekend. We are very worried that he is in hospital. We pray for him that he will get better and recover."

Another pilgrim added: “I am from Calabria, we came here for him and for the audience, but then we were informed that he was ill. We are worried about his health, we hope that everything is going well and we wish him a good recovery and a good return here."

A Vatican spokesman said on Saturday that 88 year old Pope Francis, who had been suffering with bronchitis for more than a week, is continuing his treatment for a respiratory infection and will remain in hospital for as long as necessary.

"We will see how he reacts to treatment," said Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican's press office. "I don't have a precise date (for release)."

The pope slept well in hospital on Friday night, and his fever did not rise overnight, said Bruni. Francis is expected to continue receiving diagnostic tests on Saturday

One pilgrim outside St Peter’s said: "I trust in providence and the Holy Spirit. So if the pope is ill, God will take care of him.”