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

Pope Francis, who remains hospitalized as he battles pneumonia in both lungs, was elected pope on March 13, 2013, after the surprise resignation of Benedict XVI.

The Vatican says the "criticality" of Pope Francis health condition "has subsided for the moment," but he's still hospitalized and the "prognosis remains guarded."

Pope Francis, 88, has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for two weeks, after being admitted with a severe respiratory infection.

Pope Francis is improving after spending the past two weeks hospitalized with double pneumonia, but the Vatican said his prognosis is "guarded" until he's stable for a few more days.