Pope Francis 'resumes some work' after 'slight improvement' in health, Vatican says

Pope Francis's health has shown a "slight improvement" but he remains in a critical condition, the Vatican has said.

The Pope, 88, has been at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since 14 February and is being treated for double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.

In a statement on Monday evening, the Vatican said: "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."

Over the weekend, the pontiff suffered a "prolonged respiratory crisis" that required a high flow of oxygen, as well as an "initial, mild" kidney problem.

The Vatican also said he had blood transfusions after tests revealed thrombocytopenia, which is associated with anaemia.

Doctors said on Friday that he was "not out of danger" and was expected to remain in hospital for at least another week.

They warned the main threat he faced was sepsis, which can occur as a complication of pneumonia, and lead to organ failure and death.

The Pope has a history of respiratory illness, having lost part of one of his lungs to pleurisy as a young man. He also had an acute case of pneumonia in 2023.

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Millions of Catholics around the world have been concerned about Francis's increasingly frail health.

His condition has given rise to speculation over a possible resignation - which the Vatican has not commented on.

In a mesage from Francis which was released on Sunday, the pontiff asked people to pray for him.

"In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children" he said.

"Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me."

(c) Sky News 2025: Pope Francis 'resumes some work' after 'slight improvement' in health, Vatican says