For centuries, one of the biggest taboos at the Vatican was openly discussing the pope's health. As leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, the pope is a revered spiritual figure. Talking about his earthly health was profane.

The Vatican created a mini-residence on site, a top-floor apartment guarded by police. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Pope Francis remained in critical but stable condition Tuesday, with his blood parameters remaining stable as he works from the hospital while battling double pneumonia, the Vatican said.The Vatican's evening update said the 88-year-old pope underwent a follow-up CAT scan in Tuesday evening to check the lung infection.