Pope Francis (Image: Getty)
Pope Francis has resumed “some work” in hospital, the Vatican has said.
The 88-year-old was receiving treatment for double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.
On Monday evening, the Vatican said in a statement:
“The clinical conditions of the Holy Father, in their critical state, show a slight improvement.
“Even today there were no episodes of asthmatic respiratory crises; some laboratory tests improved.
“Monitoring of mild renal failure is not a cause for concern. Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen percentage
“The doctors, considering the complexity of the clinical picture, are prudently not releasing the prognosis yet. In the morning he received the Eucharist, while in the afternoon he resumed work activity.
“In the evening he called the Parish Priest of the Parish of Gaza to express his paternal closeness. Pope Francis thanks all the people of God who have gathered in these days to pray for his health.”
Earlier Monday, the Vatican had announced the start of nighttime prayers for the pope’s health in St. Peter’s Square, and invited Romans and others to join in, as he battles a complex lung infection and complications. The Vatican No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, planned to lead the first prayer on Monday evening.
Francis, who has double pneumonia and the early stages of kidney insufficiency, was awake and in good spirits Monday. He was not in pain and was not receiving artificial nutrition, the Vatican said.
“The night passed well, the pope slept and is resting,” it said.
At the Gemelli hospital, where Francis has been since Feb. 14 after a bout of bronchitis worsened, Bishop Claudio GiulioDori presided over an emotional, standing-room-only Mass in the chapel named for John Paul; Some of the estimated 200 people who attended were in white doctor’s coats or green surgical scrubs; some knelt in prayer.
“We are very sorry. Pope Francis is a good pope, let’s hope that he makes it. Let us hope,” said a choked-up Filomena Ferraro, who was visiting a relative at Gemelli on Monday. “We are joining him with our prayers but what else can we do?”
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