Pope Francis ‘rested well’ after a slight improvement: Vatican

While Pope Francis remains in a critical condition, he has resumed some light work duties and had a restful night, the Vatican has announced.

Scenes outside the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where Pope Francis is being treated. Picture: Jacquelin Magnay

Pope Francis remains in a critical condition but has “rested well”, after showing signs of a “slight improvement” and resuming some light work duties, the Vatican says.

On Tuesday morning the Vatican said the Pope had “rested well, the whole night”.

The short statement appeared to indicate that Francis was continuing the slight improvement of the previous evening, while still remaining critical.

Following a Monday evening update, a Vatican source said that the Pope, 88, had experienced a “pleasing day” but added “that’s within the context of him being in a critical condition, he is still critical’’.

The pontiff is eating solids and has been able to sign some documents, his aides have revealed. One of the most concerning elements of Pope Francis’s health – severe respiratory distress as he battles double pneumonia – has not returned since Saturday night and his blood work is also showing some improvement. In addition the mild renal failure “was not a cause for concern,’’ the Vatican said.

Pope Francis greets the crowd from the main balcony of St. Peter's basilica after the Urbi et Orbi message and blessing to the city and the world as part of Christmas celebrations, at St Peter's square in the Vatican on December 25, 2024. Picture: AFP

The Pope has been ill for more than a fortnight, missing two of his Sunday services and other celebrations in the Catholic Church’s Jubilee program. For 11 days he has been hospitalised with double pneumonia, a serious condition especially for an elderly patient who has had lung issues since his 20s.

However Pope Francis has even felt well enough to phone the Gaza parish to express his solidarity with the enclave after they had earlier sent special messages of support for his recovery.

Later Monday night local time a special session of prayers will be held for the Pope in St Peter’s Square where thousands of Catholics, including cardinals, bishops, some of the 6000 deacons who had been in Vatican City for a special mass on Sunday as well as the public are due to attend.

Vatican aides said the Pope has sent thanks to everyone who is praying for him.

“He thanks all the people of God who have gathered in these days to pray for his health’’, the Vatican said.

The Pope has been in hospital since Valentine’s Day, initially admitted for bronchitis and breathing difficulties, but his condition has worsened with several asthma like attacks, infections and most recently, deteriorating kidney function.

The Pope’s doctors have refused to offer a prognosis of their critically ill patient – saying he was being given oxygen, blood transfusions, and showing signs of kidney failure. The “complexity of the clinical picture” had belied the simple last update on Monday morning: he had “a good 10th night in hospital”.

Over the weekend the Pope had issued a thank you to the thousands of wellwishers who have sent cards and notes.

“I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,’’ the Pope said in a message distributed by his aides.

“Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world.”