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

Last evening’s bulletin the doctors said, however, that, “as a precautionary measure,” they would still maintain a “reserved prognosis,” which means the pope is not yet out of danger.

Pope Francis, 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,