Pope Francis still critical but shows ‘slight improvement’: Vatican

Pope Francis’s condition remains critical but has shown a “slight improvement”, the Vatican has said in its latest update on the 88-year-old pontiff’s health.

In a statement on Monday, the Vatican said “the clinical conditions of the Holy Father, in their critical nature, show a slight improvement”.

According to the statement, “Some laboratory tests have improved, and there haven’t been any episodes of asthmatic respiratory attacks today,” 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.

On February 14, Francis was admitted with breathing problems to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where his condition deteriorated.

In what has become his longest hospital stay of nearly 12 years, he is suffering from pneumonia in both his lungs and kidney issues.

A serious condition that can make it difficult to breathe can cause inflamation and scarring both lungs. The Vatican has described the pope’s infection as “complex” and said it was caused by two or more microorganisms.

The Catholic Church’s head, who has been pope since 2013, has had a number of health issues.

Because he had pleurisy as a young adult and had a portion of one lung removed, he is particularly susceptible to lung infections.

A special prayer was held for Monday evening in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square as a result of Francis’ continued hospitalization.

Additionally, tributes have also been left outside the hospital where he is receiving care.

Maria Vozlv, a Ukrainian who has lived in Rome for 18 years, said many in her home country were praying for Francis.

The pontiff has often decried the war in Ukraine, which hit the three-year mark on Monday, and prayed for peace.

“We Ukrainians are really praying for him”, Vozlv said. He must return home feeling well.