Pope Francis was sitting upright and receiving therapy for double pneumonia Wednesday, the Vatican said, as Argentines, Romans and others kept up the steady stream of prayers

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 further slight improvement as he battles double pneumonia, but doctors said Wednesday his prognosis is still guarded. A chest CT scan taken Tuesday evening showed the “normal evolution” of an infection as it is being treated,

Hundreds of Argentines gathered in a central square in Buenos Aires Monday to pray for Pope Francis's health and recovery. (AP Video by Cristian Kovadloff)

Catholics in Buenos Aires attended Mass on Sunday to pray for Pope Francis' recovery. (Video by Cristian Kovadloff)

Our community is living these days of apprehension in prayer,” said Father Fernando Laguna. “It’s the only way we can be close to the pope. It’s our way of sending him a big kiss and hug.”

Argentines pray for Pope Francis' health at Buenos Aires cathedral Mass

Catholic faithful in Argentina have been praying for Pope Francis' recovery. The pontiff, 88, who is from Argentina, remained in a critical condition on Sunday after he suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection,

This decision was specifically approved by Pope Francis on Feb. 6, 2025,” stated an official communication released by the AICA news agency.

Recyclers march in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Friday, March 7, 2025, to show support for Pope Francis, who remains hospitalized in Rome. (AP Photo/)

In Latin America, Francis remains well-liked, though favorability has dropped, particularly in Argentina, where it fell from 98% in 2013 to 74% in 2024. Despite declines, he continues to be viewed as a transformative figure.