Pope Francis' doctors "are prudently maintaining their cautious prognosis" as the pontiff's condition of respiratory and kidney issues "despite its severity has shown a slight improvement" at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

The combination of health issues has kept the Pope from performing his public duties, including weekly prayers on Sundays, but his doctors have recently said he is alert, joking, and continuing to work, as well as reading messages from well-wishers around the world.

Pope Francis remained in critical condition Monday but showed slight improvement and resumed some work activities