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.

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

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 has also written a letter of resignation, to be invoked if he became medically incapacitated.

Pope Francis remained in critical condition as Argentines and Romans gathered in the Eternal City to pray for his recovery from 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.