The Vatican says Pope Francis, who is hospitalized in critical condition with double pneumonia, was well enough to meet with the Vatican secretary of state and his deputy to approve new decrees for saints and call a formal meeting to set the dates for their canonization.

Pope Francis "rested well" throughout the Monday night as he continued to battle double pneumonia in hospital, the Vatican said early Tuesday.

Pope Francis "rested well throughout the night" in the hospital, the Vatican says, and even met with Vatican officials to sign several documents linked to sainthood designations on Monday.