At 18:42 the Holy See Press Office sent the following communiqué:
The clinical conditions of the Holy Father in his critical condition show a slight improvement.
Today there have been no episodes of respiratory asthma attacks; some laboratory tests have improved.
Follow-up of mild renal failure is not worrisome. Oxygen therapy continues, although with a slightly reduced flow and percentage of oxygen. Doctors, in view of the complexity of the clinical picture, are not yet releasing a prognosis out of prudence.
In the morning he received the Eucharist, and in the afternoon he resumed his work activities.
In the afternoon, he called the pastor of the parish in Gaza to express his fatherly closeness. Pope Francis thanks all the people of God who have gathered to pray for his health in recent days.
This morning Pope Francis' doctors reported that the Pontiff was in good spirits and was continuing his treatment.
It was also announced that Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, would lead a public prayer of the rosary for the health of the Holy Father on February 24 at 9 p.m. in St. Peter's Square.
