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,

Thousands gathered in a rain-soaked St. Peter's Square on Monday night to pray for Pope Francis' health after a more positive update from the Vatican.

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.