ROME (AP) — Pope Francis remained in critical but stable condition Tuesday, with his blood parameters remaining stable as he works from the hospital while battling double pneumonia, the Vatican said.

For centuries, one of the biggest taboos at the Vatican was openly discussing the pope's health. As leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, the pope is a revered spiritual figure. Talking about his earthly health was profane.

A Vatican’s bulletin informed that Pope Francis had approved decrees for the beatification of five people and the canonisation of two during an audience with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra,