Pope Francis continues to recover, prayer service this afternoon

Vatican requesting prayers

(VATICAN CITY) – The Vatican is asking for prayers as Pope Francis remains in critical condition with pneumonia and possible mild kidney failure.

A public rosary will be held at 3 p.m. (Eastern) Monday in St. Peter’s Square. 

The prayer service is meant to show the closeness of the church to the pope along with all those who are sick. 

Pope Francis, who celebrated his 88th birthday in December, has been an inpatient at Rome's Gemelli hospital since Feb. 14.

Doctors say he has made a slight improvement but remains in critical condition. The Vatican said the Pope is in ‘good spirits’ and is able to get in and out of bed.

Here is a live look at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican: