The latest statement suggests that the 88-year-old is able to sit in his chair, eat normally and do what the Vatican calls "light work".

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the results of tests conducted in recent days and Monday indicate the pope is suffering from a “polymicrobial respiratory tract infection” that has necessitated a further change in his drug therapy.

Pope Francis was in critical but stable condition Tuesday as he worked from the hospital while battling double pneumonia, and the Vatican

There has long been a Vatican taboo against openly talking about a conclave when a pope is sick: It’s considered gauche to speculate about the election of a new pope while

Gandhi’s Scant Garb Bars Audience with Pope.” So read the headline of a New York Times report, from December 13, 1931, that the Vatican had cancelled a meeting between Pius XI and “the Indian nationalist leader” because the Pope thought he might be criticized “if he received the visitor in his usual scanty clothing.

While planning a trip to Rome for their honeymoon, a Safety Harbor couple was able to have an opportunity to get the Pope to bless their marriage.

In this a crucifix is seen as Pope Francis leads his general audience from his library in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) For those who recognize Christ as the savior,

Pope Francis has advanced the sainthood cause of Father Emil J. Kapaun, a U.S. Army chaplain who gave his life ministering to fellow soldiers in a North Korean prison camp.

The Holy Father authorized the decrees designating five persons as servants of God and approved the canonization of Venezuelan Blessed José Gregorio Hernández and Italian Blessed Bartolo Longo. After the unexpected visit to the hospital,