Pope Francis, who is battling double pneumonia, remains in critical condition for the fourth day in a row, but his condition is stable and he has had no further respiratory crises, the Vatican said on February 25.
The Pope, 88, has spent his twelfth night at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, which also marks his longest stay in the hospital.
"The clinical condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical but stable," the latest statement issued by the Vatican said.
A Vatican official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to the media earlier on Tuesday, said Francis was eating normally, moving around in his hospital room and continuing treatment.
The Vatican also announced that Francis met with the Church's number two, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Parolin's deputy on Monday.
The statement said they discussed pending matters related to canonization. The Vatican also said that some new denominations require the Pope's approval.
On Monday, the Vatican said the Pope's health condition remained critical but he had shown "a slight improvement," adding that the kidney problem, which was first reported at the weekend, was not a cause for concern.
Double pneumonia is a serious infection of both lungs that can cause inflammation and make breathing difficult. The Vatican has said the Pope's infection is "complex."
Francis, who has been the leader of the Catholic Church since 2013, has struggled with health problems in the past two years. He is prone to lung infections after having part of his lung removed when he was young.
As the Pope continues his stay in hospital, thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square on Monday to pray for his health./ REL (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
