A worshipper holds a picture of Pope Francis as large crowds assemble for Mass, led by Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during prayers for the Pope’s health.

Luciano Gonzalez/Anadolu via Getty Images

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Luciano Gonzalez/Anadolu via Getty Images

ROME — According to a recent statement from the Vatican, Pope Francis has “rested well throughout the night,” showing signs of slight improvement from double pneumonia and other health issues.

He has started to take on some of his responsibilities while recovering in Gemelli Hospital in Rome, even meeting with high-ranking officials from the Vatican to sign documents related to canonizations.

Updates from his medical team indicate that a mild kidney issue is now under control, and there have been no new instances of respiratory distress, contrary to what occurred on Saturday morning, which raised serious concerns among his physicians and followers alike.

Pope Francis, who is 88 years old, has been in critical condition since the weekend, with doctors providing a “cautious” outlook due to the “complexity of the clinical picture,” stated the Vatican. Consequently, he has been unable to attend his regular engagements, while the Church has urged believers worldwide to pray for his recovery.

Evening prayers for the Pope’s health

On Monday night, thousands braved the rain to pray for the Pope’s health in St. Peter’s Square, marking the beginning of nightly prayer vigils for his healing. This tradition has been long established by the Catholic Church during times of papal illness.

“I’m here to express my solidarity with Pope Francis and offer prayers for his well-being, as that is of utmost importance,” remarked Anna Luisa Prego, a local resident. “The atmosphere in the square was beautiful.”

Michaela Dodic, 22, visiting from Croatia, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be among fellow Catholics on such an important occasion, saying it was a privilege to pray for his recovery in front of the heart of the Church.

In a time of significant global political instability, Pope Francis’ fervent calls for peace have garnered him considerable support, but they have also invited some critique.

“Each Pope responds to the pressing needs of their time,” stated Rigoberto Darce, a priest from Nicaragua residing in Rome. “While some may criticize his efforts, they fail to recognize that he is exactly the leader needed during this challenging period. He has been sent by God for such times as these.”

Diagnosis of pneumonia in both lungs

Pope Francis was initially admitted to the hospital on February 14 for bronchitis, and while he was stable at first, he later developed a polymicrobial infection that necessitated continued treatment. Shortly thereafter, the Vatican declared that the Pope had developed pneumonia in both lungs, leading to increased medical attention.

On Saturday, the Vatican announced that the Pope experienced an “asthma-like respiratory crisis” requiring supplemental oxygen. He was also diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, a condition marked by a low platelet count, which led to the need for blood transfusions to elevate his hemoglobin levels, as mentioned in a Monday morning update from Vatican officials.

By the evening, physicians reported improved lab results, and there were no new concerns about the mild kidney insufficiency. “Oxygen therapy continues, albeit at a slightly reduced flow and lower oxygen levels,” the statement concluded.

Among those Francis recognized this week as deserving of future sainthood was Emil Joseph Kapaun, an American chaplain who served during World War II and the Korean War.

Additionally, while in the hospital, Pope Francis has made changes to the governance of the Vatican by promoting two archbishops to new roles and has been in contact with the parish priest in Gaza.