Pope Francis has shown further slight improvement as he battles double pneumonia, the Vatican said.
But doctors on Wednesday said his prognosis is still guarded.
A CT chest scan taken on Tuesday evening showed the “normal evolution” of an infection as it is being treated.
A woman prays for Pope Francis in front of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome (Andrew Medichini/AP)
Blood tests have confirmed an improvement, according to the Vatican’s late update.
The slight kidney insufficiency detected a few days ago has receded, and Francis is continuing to receive respiratory physiotherapy.
It was the first time the Vatican has said Francis was receiving physiotherapy to help him expel fluid from his lungs.
Francis resumed work in the afternoon, after receiving the Eucharist in the morning.