ROME (AP) — Pope Francis remained in critical but stable condition Tuesday, with his blood parameters remaining stable as he works from the hospital while battling double pneumonia, the Vatican said.

The Vatican says Pope Francis, who is hospitalized in critical condition with double pneumonia, was well enough to meet with the Vatican secretary of state and his deputy to approve new decrees for sa

Pope Francis is on the mend, showing a slight improvement in his health, which has allowed him to welcome a visit from Cardinal Pietro Parolin. They discussed important matters concerning the Vatican,

Pope Francis met with the Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on Monday as he rested comfortably throughout the night into Tuesday, but he remained in critical condition.

The Vatican's evening update said the 88-year-old pope had had no new respiratory crises and that his blood parameters were stable.

Pope Francis was well enough Tuesday to meet with his No. 2 to approve new decrees for possible saints, even while still hospitalized in critical but stable condition for double pneumonia and kidney failure.