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,

The audience, which occurred Monday, signaled that the machinery of the Vatican is still grinding on, even with doctors warning Francis' prognosis is guarded.

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.