TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s ambassador to the Holy See prayed for Pope Francis at the Vatican City on Monday as he remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Ambassador Matthew S.M. Lee (李世明) told CNA that embassy staff attended a prayer service “with a heavy heart” and recited the Rosary for the pope on behalf of the Taiwanese. Lee said he prayed that Francis would recover soon.

The Vatican’s number-two official Cardinal Pietro Parolin led the service, which is set to be repeated daily, per Reuters. People also gathered to pray outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital where Francis is in care.  

Francis was hospitalized 11 days ago with double pneumonia and remains in critical condition. On Monday evening, the Vatican said the Pope’s condition had improved slightly, and doctors were “prudently maintaining their cautious prognosis.”

The Vatican said the pope returned to work Monday morning to call a Catholic church in Gaza. "Pope Francis thanks the entire People of God, who in these days have gathered to pray for his health,” it said.

The Holy See is one of Taiwan’s 12 formal diplomatic allies. It has a diplomatic mission in Taipei.