Pope Francis in hospital. Latest news from the Vatican

Pope Francis is still in critical condition, but he had a good night's rest, the Vatican said in a statement. On Monday evening, it was reported that there had been no further "respiratory crisis" and that his test results were improving slightly.

The Pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with breathing difficulties. A few days later, he was diagnosed with double pneumonia.

Initially, the Pope was in good health and good spirits. He was working from the hospital and also receiving visitors. On Wednesday, he was visited by Giorgia Meloni. The visit lasted about 20 minutes, and after it, the Italian prime minister said that Pope Francis was cheerful and joked with her.

SEE: What about the Pope's health? The latest information from the Vatican

The Pope's health deteriorated over the weekend, and on Saturday the Vatican announced the Holy Father's "critical health condition." That morning, Francis reportedly 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, he had enough of "slight kidney failure ". It added that there were "no further respiratory crises" and thrombocytopenia in the blood "remains stable".

The Pope attended Holy Mass on Sunday.

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On Monday, it was reported that the pope was not feeling any pain. The Vatican 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. In the evening, it added that there was no further crisis and that the results of some laboratory tests had improved.

Cardinals, numerous representatives of the clergy from the Vatican and the Diocese of Rome, and the faithful from many countries participated on Monday evening in Saint Peter's Square in praying the rosary for the health of the Pope.

- For 2,000 years, the Christian people have prayed for the Pope when he is in danger or sick. Also in these days, since the Holy Father has been staying at the Gemelli Polyclinic, fervent prayer is being raised to God for him among the faithful and Christian communities throughout the world - said the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who led the prayers.

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The residents of Portacomaro in Piedmont, Italy, also offer prayers for the health of the head of the Church. The Pope's family comes from this small town. Francis's 93-year-old cousin, Carla Rabezzana, still lives there.

The Pope's grandparents, Giovanni and Rosa, and his father, Mario Bergoglio, emigrated from Portacomaro at the beginning of the 20th century.