Pope Francis, hospitalized in critical condition with double pneumonia, was well enough to meet with the Vatican secretary of state to approve new decrees for saints and call a formal meeting to set the dates for their canonization,

Pope Francis "rested well" throughout the night and remained in a slightly improved condition on Tuesday morning as he continued to battle double pneumonia in hospital, the Vatican said."The Pope rested well,

Pope Francis, who is in critical condition with double pneumonia, is alert and has met Vatican officials in hospital to discuss work issues, the Vatican said on Tuesday.