Surgeon Sergio Alfieri spoke reassuringly of Pope Francis’s condition in English on Feb. 21, but another doctor in Italian warned the infection could be fatal if it spread to the pope’s blood.

Crowds are gathering in Vatican City and Rome to pray for the speedy recovery of Pope Francis. The 88-year-old pontiff has shown slight signs of improvement since he was diagnosed with pneumonia last week,

Blood tests have confirmed an improvement, according to the Vatican's update. The slight kidney insufficiency detected a few days ago has receded, and Francis is continuing to receive respiratory physiotherapy.

Pope Francis has shown a "further, slight improvement" in his medical condition, the Vatican said on Wednesday, in a sign of progress as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia.

Pope Francis remained in critical condition and resting Wednesday, as Argentines and Romans alike gathered in the Eternal City to pray for his recovery from double pneumonia. The Vatican’s short morning update said: “The pope had a peaceful night and is resting.

Pope Francis was a frequent visitor to Rome long before he became pope. Now his favorite shops and artisans are pulling for him as he battles double pneumonia.

Reports of Pope Francis' critical health condition have put global media outlets including CNN, CBS and NBC, in high gear to descend upon Rome.

Pope Francis has been in hospital for 11 days, with recent blood tests show early, mild kidney failure after he experienced a respiratory crisis.

The Vatican says Pope Francis has had a good night’s rest. All indications suggest he has overcome the possible risks from a respiratory crisis last week.

ROME and LONDON -- Pope Francis "rested well" overnight, his 17th night in Rome's Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican said on Monday. "The pope rested well all night," the Holy See, the Vatican's press office, said in a brief statement.

Pope Francis rested well during his 17th night in hospital, the Vatican said on Monday, a day after reporting the 88-year-old was in a "stable" condition. The Argentine head of the Catholic Church was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Feb.