VATICAN CITY, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Pope Francis, who is critically ill with double pneumonia, remains alert and has held meetings with Vatican officials at the hospital to discuss work matters. The Vatican reported on Tuesday.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital for his 12th day, the longest hospital stay during his nearly 12-year papacy.
According to the Vatican, "The pope had a restful night," without elaborating further.
An unnamed Vatican official mentioned that Francis is eating normally, moving around his hospital room, and undergoing regular treatment.
The Vatican confirmed that Francis met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the second-in-command, and Parolin's deputy on Monday to review various pending sainthood cases and other appointments requiring the pope's approval.
Despite his illness, Francis has been tending to Vatican matters from the hospital.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also visited the pope as a VIP guest during his stay.
The Vatican stated that the pope's condition, critical due to pneumonia, had shown some improvement with a slight kidney issue reported earlier no longer causing concern.
Pneumonia, a severe lung infection that can inflame and scar the lungs, poses breathing difficulties. The Vatican pointed out that the pope's pneumonia is complex, caused by multiple microorganisms.
Since becoming pope in 2013, Francis has battled various health problems, particularly lung infections due to previous pleurisy and lung surgery.
A large crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square on Monday evening to pray for his recovery.
Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Honduras expressed to la Repubblica newspaper, "I think ... it's not his time to leave us yet."
In early February, signs of a severe cold prevented the pope from delivering speeches. In spite of this, he maintained his daily schedule, even participating in outdoor Masses.
Some well-wishers have suggested the pope should prioritize self-care, yet Maradiaga defended Francis' commitment to his duties, saying, "He is conscious of his calling and doesn't let anything deter him. He did not accept the pontificate for leisure."
Another medical update from the Vatican is expected at around 7 p.m. (1800 GMT).