Thousands of people gathered in St Peter’s Square on Monday evening to pray for an ailing Pope Francis. Those gathered expressed sorrow for his suffering, hope for his recovery and gratitude for his efforts to steer the Catholic Church in new directions.

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis remained in critical condition Monday but showed slight improvement in laboratory tests and resumed some work, the Vatican said, including calling a parish in Gaza City that he has kept in touch with since the war there began.

Pope Francis's health has slightly improved but he remains in a critical condition, the Vatican has said in a medical update.