The latest statement suggests that the 88-year-old is able to sit in his chair, eat normally and do what the Vatican calls "light work".

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the results of tests conducted in recent days and Monday indicate the pope is suffering from a “polymicrobial respiratory tract infection” that has necessitated a further change in his drug therapy.

The pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, is still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen to help remove fluid from his lungs.

Like his predecessors, Pope Francis was selected using an age-old method -- a system known as the Papal conclave.

There has long been a Vatican taboo against openly talking about a conclave when a pope is sick: It’s considered gauche to speculate about the election of a new pope while the current one is fighting for his life.

Pope Francis spent a peaceful night in hospital and ate breakfast on Wednesday, the Vatican said in its latest update on the pontiff's fragile health.

Jesus, who weeps with us, will sow in our hearts all the answers we seek,' the Pope wrote to Cinzia, whose son Fabrizio went out one evening in October 2019 and never returned home.

While planning a trip to Rome for their honeymoon, a Safety Harbor couple was able to have an opportunity to get the Pope to bless their marriage.

In this a crucifix is seen as Pope Francis leads his general audience from his library in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) For those who recognize Christ as the savior,

Pope Francis has advanced the sainthood cause of Father Emil J. Kapaun, a U.S. Army chaplain who gave his life ministering to fellow soldiers in a North Korean prison camp.