THE Vatican has issued a major health update on “critical” Pope Francis, saying there has been a slight improvement and that he has resumed some work activities.

The latest update reveals that the 88-year-old Pontiff, suffering from pneumonia in both lungs, hadn’t had any more respiratory crises.

The slight kidney insufficiency detected on Sunday was of no concern, the Vatican said, as the Pope continues to receive supplemental oxygen.

But doctors say his prognosis remains guarded, the update added.

He was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after having breathing difficulties and was later diagnosed with double pneumonia.

The Pope received the Eucharist in the morning on Monday and resumed working in the afternoon.

By the evening, he called the parish priest of the Gaza parish to express his fatherly closeness, the statement said.

Over the weekend he received blood transfusions to increase his platelet count, but tests showed he is also suffering from mild kidney failure, which is said to be under control.

On Sunday, the Holy See Press Office said: “The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control.”

“High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas.”

The Pontiff was well enough to attend Mass in his hospital apartment on Sunday alongside his doctors and nurses, the press office added.

Over the weekend he was described as “alert and well-oriented” despite his condition having worsened.

With both the Pope’s decreased platelet count and mild kidney failure under control, the prognosis remains reserved, doctors have said.

A special prayer was made for Pope Francis by Archbishop Rino Fisichella who celebrated the Mass in the Pontiff’s place in St Peter’s Basilica.

The Pope later issued a heartfelt message from his sickbed thanking people for their love and prayers.

“I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!” he said on Sunday.

“I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick.”

He has been particularly touched by messages and drawings from children.

“In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” he added.

“Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me.”

Francis who has been Pope for 12 years, has suffered from ill health recently.

He is particularly prone to lung infections after he developed pleurisy as a young adult which led to the removal of a piece of his lung.

The Pontiff also has a history of chronic lung disease and has had increasingly worsening bouts of bronchitis.

As the Pope continues his health battle, the world holds its breath, praying for his recovery while awaiting further updates.

How will the next Pope be chosen?

By Patrick Harrington, foreign news reporter

If the Pope dies his passing must first be confirmed by the Chamberlain of the Catholic church – in the presence of the Papal Master of Ceremonies and other officials.

The Chamberlain then informs the cardinal vicar for Rome, who passes the news onto the city and the world.

After nine days of mourning, during which time the Pope is buried, the task of choosing a new leader arises.

All 252 cardinals will be summoned to Rome from around the world for the Papal election, called Conclave.

The new Pope is decided by a vote, which can be participated in by up to 115 cardinals.

The number is whittled down by excluding any cardinals over 80.

There are secret discussions between the cardinals about who would be a good successor.

Then voting begins in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel – and continues until a consensus is reached.

However, if there is still no consensus after 12 days, then a new Pope can be appointed with more than 50 per cent of the votes.

Locals are kept updated on the process by twice-daily plumes of smoke coming from the chapel.

Black smoke means the vote is still being deliberated, and when white smoke appears it means a decision has been reached.