Pope Francis's condition showed "a further, slight improvement", the Vatican said Wednesday, while continuing to maintain the prognosis for the 88-year-old fighting pneumonia in both lungs was "reserved".

Being in the hospital is "a strong sign of the pope's humanity," Cardinal Lojudice said. He is the vicar of Christ, but he is also a man, "like all of us, with his frailties, weaknesses" and advancing age. "And, precisely in this condition, he continues to give witness to his faith and his role, even with the limitations posed by illness," he said.