Pope Francis is continuing his slow recovery from double pneumonia, beating back speculation of an imminent death, resignation or conclave and signalling that he is still very much in charge albeit in a weakened state.

Officials said Pope Francis is in critical condition as he battles pneumonia and early kidney failure. He was awake and eating normally during his treatments. Crowds have been gathering at Vatican City to pray for his recovery. Doctors reported Sunday that blood tests showed his early kidney failure was under control.