ROME (AP) — Pope Francis remained in critical condition Monday but showed slight improvement in laboratory tests and resumed some work, the Vatican said, including calling a parish in Gaza City that he has kept in touch with since the war there began.

The Rev. Michael Duffy, the rector at St. Agnes, the seat of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, addressed the pope’s condition during the 9:30 a.m. Mass. He began his sermon by asking the attendees to pray for the pontiff.