Key Points
Pope battling double pneumonia and kidney issues
Hospitalized since February 14 with breathing difficulties
Receiving reduced oxygen support
Continues to work despite critical condition
In a statement on Monday, the Vatican mentioned that "The clinical conditions of the Holy Father, in their critical nature, show a slight improvement", as per Al Jazeera.
"Today there were no episodes of asthmatic respiratory attacks; some laboratory tests have improved," it said, noting that Francis had worked in the afternoon after receiving the Eucharist in the morning. The Pope was still receiving oxygen, "although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen percentage", the statement said.
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with breathing difficulties and his condition subsequently worsened.
He is battling pneumonia in both lungs as well as kidney issues in what has become the longest hospital stay of his nearly 12-year papacy, as per Al Jazeera.
Double pneumonia is a serious infection that can inflame and scar both lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The Vatican has described the pope's infection as "complex" and said it was caused by two or more microorganisms, Al Jazeera reported.
The head of the Catholic Church, who has been pope since 2013, has suffered bouts of ill health over the past two years.
He is particularly prone to lung infections because he developed pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.
Francis's continued hospitalisation has prompted a global outpouring of concern and support, with a special prayer organised for Monday evening in St Peter's Square in Rome.
Tributes also have been left outside the hospital where he is being treated, as per Al Jazeera.
Earlier Monday, the Vatican said the pope had spent a peaceful night, with a Vatican source saying he was "not in pain", eating "normally" and even "in a good mood".
