Pope Francis in hospital. New Vatican statement

Pope Francis' clinical condition is critical, but there has been a slight improvement, the Vatican reported on Monday evening. In the morning, it was reported that Francis "had a good night in the hospital." The pope has been in the Gemelli Polyclinic for 11 days, and has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.

A new Vatican statement said Pope Francis did not suffer another respiratory crisis and that some laboratory test results had improved.

Mild kidney failure is not a cause for concern, the Vatican added.

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Pope Francis, 88, continues to receive oxygen therapy, but his doses have been reduced.

The head of the Church was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 after having difficulty breathing for several days. He was diagnosed with double pneumonia.

On Monday morning, the Vatican reported that the pope "had a good night in the hospital" and was sleeping and resting.

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BBC News reported, citing Vatican sources, that on Monday the pope "was in a good mood and ate normally." This is a more optimistic message after Francis' problems on Saturday.

On Saturday, the Vatican reported the Pope's "critical health condition." That morning, the Holy Father was said to have suffered a "prolonged respiratory crisis of an asthmatic nature." Due to thrombocytopenia and anemia, a decision was made to transfuse blood.

Earlier it was reported that the pope's condition "remains critical" for the second day in a row. On Sunday, it was enough to "slight kidney failure."

On Sunday, the Vatican Press Office reported that there were "no further respiratory crises" and that thrombocytopenia in the blood "remains stable." The Pope attended mass on Sunday.

Vatican sources said Monday at noon that the pope was not feeling any pain. They explained that the "suffering" reported on Saturday was related to the fact that it was a difficult day during which Francis had a respiratory crisis.

The Vatican announced that a daily rosary prayer for the health of the Holy Father will take place in St. Peter's Square.