There has long been a Vatican taboo against openly talking about a conclave when a pope is sick: It’s considered gauche to speculate about the election of a new pope while

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.

The pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, is still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen to help remove fluid from his lungs.

Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia in hospital for two weeks, had an "isolated breathing crisis" on Friday and received "non-invasive mechanical ventilation" to help him breathe, the Vatican said in a statement.

Pope Francis was in critical but stable condition Tuesday as he worked from the hospital while battling double pneumonia, and the Vatican

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,

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,

Like his predecessors, Pope Francis was selected using an age-old method -- a system known as the Papal conclave.

Pope Francis's condition "remains critical", the Vatican said Sunday on his 10th day in hospital as Catholics around the world prayed for the 88-year-old's recovery.