The 'Conclave' cast have sent their well wishes to Pope Francis as he remains in critical condition in hospital

During the ceremony actress Isabella Rossellini sent a message to the Pope before a montage of the film was played, saying: "First of all, we would like to wish Pope Francis a quick recovery."

In the winners' room, she later added to reporters: "Pope Francis, I wish him well. In our film, we analyzed the election of a new pope, which is very secretive, taking place within the Vatican in in the beautiful room that was painted by Michelangelo the Sistine Chapel that we reproduced.

"As Italians, we are familiar, more familiar than maybe foreigners, with the debate within the church that are very similar to the debate in every society: the role of the gays, conservative, progressive, the role of women.

"So Sergio [castmember Sergio Castellitto] and I were more familiar, maybe than all of you, but we don't know exactly what happens during the Conclave. "The film reveals the possible debates."

Sergio Castellitto added: "For us that live in Rome, to live at a few meters, few yards from the Pope is to have a much closer relationship.

"We see the helicopter leaving his place: 'Oh, is the Pope flying off today and coming back!' So, our relationship as Italians to the Pope is much closer.

"I repeat, I really wish him well."

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 and on Sunday a statement from the Vatican confirmed he remained in critical condition.

It explained: "The condition of the Holy Father remains critical, but since yesterday evening, he has not experienced any further respiratory crises ...

"The Holy Father remains alert and well-oriented.

"The complexity of the clinical situation and the necessary time for the pharmacological treatments to show results require that the prognosis remain guarded.

"This morning, in the apartment on the tenth floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who have been taking care of him during these days of hospitalization."