VATICAN CITY (AP) — As Pope Francis remains hospitalized in Rome, thousands of faithful from around the world have been gathering by St. Peter’s and by the hospital to pray the rosary for him.

Thousands of faithful have gathered, praying the rosary, a centuries-old devotion central to Catholic practice. Dating back to the Middle Ages and gaining widespread popularity in the 16th century ...

In a prerecorded message, Pope Francis thanked those gathered for the rosary prayer service in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday night. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers ...