VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis in his Angelus message from his hospital bed where he is being treated for bronchitis, called for prayers Sunday for "tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel and all the Middle East, Myan mar, Kivu and Sudan, the Vatican said.

 "Brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!," the pontiff said in his Angelus message distributed by the Vatican but not pronounced publicly by the ailing pope who was admitted to the Gemelli Polyclinic hospital Friday where he is expected to remain for several days of rest and tests.

 In his Angelus message, Francis recalled that "today in the Vatican the Eucharist was celebrated, dedicated in particular to the artists who have come from various parts of the world to experience the Jubilee days. I thank the Dicastery for Culture and Education for the preparation of this appointment, which reminds us of the importance of art as a universal language that spreads beauty and unites peoples, contributing to bringing harmony into the world and silencing every cry of war."

 "I wish to greet all the artists who have participated: I would have liked to be among you but, as you know, I am here at the Gemelli Hospital because I still need some treatment for my bronchitis," Francis continued in his message.

 "I greet all the pilgrims present in Rome today, especially the faithful of the diocese of Parma, who have come on a diocesan pilgrimage, led by their bishop." "I invite everyone to continue to pray for peace in tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel and all the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu and Sudan," Francis added.

 "Thank you for the affection, prayer and closeness with which you are accompanying me in these days, and I would like to thank the doctors and healthcare workers in this hospital for their care: they do such a valuable and tiring job, let us support them with prayer!""

 "And now let us entrust ourselves to Mary, “Full of grace”, that she may help us be, like her, chorists and creators of the beauty that saves the world," the pope said.

 jp