Pope Francis showed modest improvement in laboratory tests on Monday and resumed select work activities, the Vatican reported. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling pneumonia in both lungs, was noted to have not experienced any further respiratory crises.

Pope Francis remained in critical condition Monday but showed slight improvement in laboratory tests and resumed some work, the Vatican said, including calling a parish in Gaza City that he has kept in touch with since the war there began.

Pope Francis remained in critical condition Monday but showed slight improvement in laboratory tests and resumed some work, the Vatican said, including calling a parish in Gaza City that he has kept in touch with since the war there began.

Pope Francis remained in critical condition Monday but showed slight improvement in laboratory tests and resumed some work, the Vatican said, including calling a parish in Gaza City that he has kept in touch with since the war there began.

Even while Pope Francis is hospitalized, he still keeps in touch with a Roman Catholic parish in Gaza City, making near-nightly phone calls to the priest and congregation there.

The Vatican says Pope Francis remains in critical condition but has shown slight improvement in laboratory tests. He has resumed some work activities, including calling a parish in Gaza City

Despite his ongoing hospitalization for treatment of what the Vatican has said is a polymicrobial respiratory infection, Pope Francis has continued calling the Catholic parish in Gaza nightly, its pastor has said.

Pope Francis continues treatment for pneumonia as Vatican launches nightly prayers, approves decrees for saints' canonization.

Vatican No.2 Cardinal Pietro Parolin led the first night of prayers in St Peter’s Square for the Pope, who remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Nine Palestinian newborns in Gaza suffering hypothermia have been treated. Tragically, six of those babies died.

Pope Francis had a peaceful night in hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, the Vatican said early Wednesday in its latest update on the 88-year-old pontiff’s health.