(NewsNation) — Pope Francis remains in critical condition, though he is showing “slight improvement” in some laboratory results, according to the Vatican.
On Tuesday morning, the Holy See Press Office reported that Francis slept well overnight despite his serious condition.
What began as flu symptoms and shortness of breath has turned into pneumonia in both lungs, along with kidney impairment. While still in critical condition, his kidney function is now under control, and he had no asthma-like respiratory distress on Monday, the Vatican said.
Now on his 11th day in the hospital, the 88-year-old pontiff continues to work from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, despite being advised to rest.
In the most upbeat bulletin in days, the Vatican said Francis had resumed work from his hospital room, calling a parish in Gaza City, the only Roman Catholic church in Gaza, to express his paternal closeness to the people there.
For over a year, Francis maintained near-daily contact with the church throughout the war between Israel and Hamas, the Vatican said.
The Associated Press reported that Francis was also well enough to meet with the Vatican secretary of state to approve new decrees for possible saints and make some major governing decisions, which suggests he is getting essential work done while remaining very much in charge.
Prayers for Pope Francis
Many Catholics are anxious, as mass prayers and vigils for the pope evoke memories of Pope Benedict’s resignation due to health issues in 2013.
People from around the world, including Europe, Africa, South America, Asia and the U.S., have gathered outside the Vatican to pray for Francis’ recovery.
“We wish him a quick recovery and God’s blessing that he could perhaps continue his ministry or make a decision not to,” one parishioner said.
Francis has appointed 110 of the 140 cardinals eligible to vote in a papal conclave should he resign. These cardinals come from over 60 different countries, potentially making a conclave last longer than usual due to less familiarity among the cardinals.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.