Pope Francis' condition remains critical after developing pneumonia in both lungs earlier this month, but the Vatican said he is showing signs of improvement.

Time-honored rituals, drafted and refined over centuries, allow time for mourning and provide order at a dramatic moment of transition.

Pope Francis, who is in critical condition in hospital battling double pneumonia, is alert, rested well throughout the night and is continuing his treatment, the Vatican said on Tuesday. The 88-year-old pope is spending his 12th day at Rome's Gemelli hospital,