Pope Francis remains in critical condition but shows “slight improvements”

Pope Francis' clinical condition showed a slight improvement on Monday, February 24, with doctors reminding him that, given the complexity of his clinical condition, "prudence" is necessary and that a "guarded prognosis" is maintained.

In the most recent clinical report released by the doctors who follow the Pope at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, it is indicated that Francis showed a slight improvement in laboratory tests, which allowed him to return to work.

"Today there were no episodes of asthmatic respiratory crisis : some laboratory tests improved. Monitoring of mild renal failure is not a concern. Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced oxygen flow and percentage", reads the medical bulletin.

In this sense, doctors, "taking into account the complexity of the clinical picture, still prudently maintain the [reserved] prognosis".

The bulletin states that Francisco received the Eucharist this Monday morning and, in the afternoon, resumed his professional activities.

"In the evening he called the parish priest of Gaza to express his paternal closeness. Pope Francis thanked all the people of God who had gathered to pray for his health in recent days," the medical bulletin concluded.

On Sunday, the Vatican said the pope remained in critical condition and that blood tests indicated mild kidney failure but that it was under control.

The 88-year-old Pope was hospitalized on February 14 following pneumonia in both lungs and had a respiratory crisis on Friday, which worsened his health.