Pope Francis is slightly better

Gemelli Hospital - Image Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Francis' clinical situation remains stable with doctors at the Gemelli Hospital confirming slight improvements, "within a context that nevertheless remains complex," Vatican media stated on Tuesday evening.

The day marked the 67th anniversary of the Pope's entry into the Society of Jesus. In the morning and afternoon, he followed online the Spiritual Exercises taking place in the Paul VI Hall with members of the Roman Curia. In the evening they prayed the Rosary for the Pope's healing.

Pope Francis spent time in prayer in the private chapel of his apartment at the hospital. He received the Eucharist in the morning. He did not receive visitors, but dedicated time to prayer and meditation as part of the spiritual exercises. He continued his prescribed therapies and throughout the day, maintained use of high-flow oxygenation via nasal cannulas.

On Monday, Pope Francis sent a telegram in Spanish to Argentinian Archbishop Carlos Azpiroz Costa, OP, expressing his concerns over the floods that have devastated Bahía Blanca and city of Cerri.

At least 16 people were killed and at least three are still missing. Rescue workers have been working around the clock, but their efforts have been made difficult by the near-total flooding of both cities.

In his message, Pope Francis expressed his sadness over the natural disaster affecting the region.

"I offer fervent prayers for the eternal rest of the deceased. At the same time I wish to express my spiritual closeness to the entire population, beseeching the Lord to grant comfort to the bereaved and to all those who are suffering in these moments of pain and uncertainty." He prayed that the Lord "sustain with His grace" all those committed to searching for the missing and undertaking "the arduous process of rebuilding the devastated areas."

Pope Francis concluded by imploring Our Lady of Mercy to intercede before her Son, Jesus Christ, for all those affected by "this catastrophe," and imparting on them with affection his Apostolic Blessing.