Vatican says Pope Francis' condition shows slight improvement, resumes limited work

The Vatican on Monday announced that Pope Francis' health condition has improved slightly and that he returned to some limited duties, but he remains hospitalized in critical condition with double pneumonia.

The 88-year-old pope was admitted to a hospital in Rome earlier this month after he was taken there to be treated for bronchitis. Subsequent testing revealed pneumonia in both lungs, and his condition progressed over the weekend after he developed mild kidney failure. 

The Vatican's press office on Monday said the pope's health has shown a slight improvement, and that the monitoring of his kidney failure has not raised any concerns. 

"No episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress occurred today, and some laboratory tests have shown improvement," the office said in a statement. "Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels. Given the complexity of the clinical picture, the doctors are prudently maintaining their cautious prognosis."

The Holy See Press Office said that the pope received the Eucharist on Monday afternoon and called the parish priest of Gaza in the evening "to express his paternal closeness." 

"Pope Francis thanks the entire People of God, who in these days have gathered to pray for his health," the office added.

The hospitalization comes after the pope had part of one lung removed as a young man. He has since struggled with related health problems, which have resulted in him having to use a walker and wheelchair later in his life.

Francis was also hospitalized in 2023 after having chest pain and a fever.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.