For the third consecutive week, Pope Francis missed leading the Angelus prayer at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City on Sunday (March 2) due to illness.

Faithful, who gathered at midday, said the pontiff's presence was noticeable and hoped to see him in the Vatican's window soon.

"We still feel him here. It's not the same thing because the presence is missing and you can feel it," Doctor Annalisa Giona said as she walked by Saint Peter's Square with her son dressed up as the Vatican's Swiss Guard. "We feel him and we know he's here," she added.

"We wish him to get well soon and look at us from this window again," a pilgrim from Poland Marzena Pilat said as she got emotional talking about the pope.

READ: Pope 'stable' after 'calm night' -- Vatican

Pope Francis, in 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.

"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 pilgrims, which the pope was not able to lead for the third week running.

"I feel all your affection and closeness and ... I feel as if I am 'carried' and supported by all God's people," the message said.

(Production: Marissa Davison, Veronica Altimari, Malgorzata Wojtunik)