ROME — Pope Francis' condition has not improved fundamentally despite spending 12 days in hospital in Rome, though his condition is stable, according to a bulletin issued by the Holy See on Tuesday evening.
"The Holy Father's clinical condition remains critical but stable," the Vatican said.
The pope, 88, has not suffered any further attacks of breathlessness since the weekend and his blood tests remain stable.
He is suffering from double pneumonia and had a further CT scan on Tuesday, after which the Vatican said that the prognosis remained "cautious."
Medics did not comment on his kidneys, after earlier reports referred to incipient renal insufficiency, an indication for concern.
Earlier, the Vatican said the head of the Catholic Church had "rested well" during the night. However, despite a slight improvement, he remains in a critical condition.
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin visited the pope again earlier on Tuesday. According to the Vatican, the two discussed beatifications and canonizations.
Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital with a respiratory infection and was later diagnosed with double pneumonia. He first caught the infection in mid-December.
At 12 days, the stay marks his longest ever in hospital and there is so far no date set for his release.
On Sunday, a statement said he had also developed a slight kidney insufficiency, though the Vatican said this is no cause for concern. The development followed an acute breathing crisis on Saturday, during which he was given oxygen.
Thousands of believers from around the world participated in a rosary prayer for the pope's recovery on Monday, which is to be held nightly.
More than two dozen cardinals took part in the prayer service from St Peter's Square, led by Parolin.
"For 2,000 years the Christian people have prayed for the pope when he was in danger or sick," Parolin said during the prayer.
As secretary of state, Parolin is responsible for the Vatican's diplomacy. His name is also repeatedly mentioned when it comes to Francis's possible successor.
Ahead of the rosary prayer, the pope had thanked people in a written message for their support.
The Argentinian, who is the second oldest pope in history, has led the Catholic Church since March 2013. His predecessor, Benedict XVI, unexpectedly resigned and lived a secluded life in the Vatican until his death at the end of 2022.
Catholics in Argentina are particularly concerned about the pope and staged an open-air mass in the capital Buenos Aires. One participant said, "I am praying for Pope Francis’ recovery. We hope he gets better soon and comes to us."
The pope has never returned to his home country since his election as Pope. "He has done a lot for us. We are praying for him," another woman said.
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