The Vatican reported a “slight improvement” in the Pope’s condition on Monday evening, though it continued to describe his situation as “critical”.

The wet black cobblestones shone from the bright lights illuminating the fountains and the front of the square where Pope Francis normally sits for his Wednesday general audiences. An image of Mater Ecclesiae – Mary, Mother of the Church – adorned with greenery and white and pink flowers took center stage.

The Vatican press office said Cardinal Parolin will lead a rosary for the pontiff in St. Peter's Square at 9 p.m. local time. The U.S. bishops urged Catholics to join that prayer at the same time, 3 p.m. on the East Coast.

THE Pope wrote his resignation letter 12 years ago in case he became too ill to fulfil the holy role as he remains in a ‘critical’ state in hospital. The Pontiff has spent 10 nights in

Vatican on Monday announced the start of nighttime prayers for the health of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square, and invited Romans and others to join in, as the 88-year-old pontiff battled a complex lung infection which led to other complications.

The Vatican announced Monday that cardinals will lead a nightly rosary in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’ recovery, with the first prayer service Monday evening.

The Vatican has detailed laws and rituals to ensure the transfer of power when a pope dies or resigns, but not when he is sick

The prayer is a moment "to show the closeness of the church to the pope and all who are sick," said Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office.

Rome: The Vatican says Pope Francis is in a critical condition, after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis on Saturday morning. He has been in hospital at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14 due to bilateral pneumonia.

Pope Francis spends “a peaceful night” at Rome‘s Gemelli Hospital and has breakfast while sitting in an armchair on Thursday morning, the Vatican tells journalists on Feb. 20.

Pope Francis, who is in critical condition with a complex lung infection, offered his thanks for the "many messages of affection" he has received since he was hospitalized earlier this month.

Vatican announces night prayers for Pope Francis' health as he battles lung infection, complications; Cardinal Parolin to lead.