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 urged Christians to examine their consciences in Lent by comparing their daily lives to the hardships faced by migrants, calling it a way to grow in empathy and discover God's call to compassion.

Canon law currently lacks provisions addressing what happens if a pope becomes permanently incapacitated. While bishops have procedures in place for stepping aside due to illness, no equivalent guidelines exist for the papacy.

He saw an opportunity to turn a signature Kentucky product, and his access to Pope Francis as a papal missionary of mercy, into a way to help those in need by auctioning off bourbon bottles signed by the pope.

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,

The pontiff's condition is touch-and-go, given his age, fragility and pre-existing lung disease, according to doctors.