By Daniel Payne
CNA Staff, Feb 24, 2025 / 14:15 pm
Catholics around the world continue to pray fervently for Pope Francis as the Holy Father battles a series of medical emergencies at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 after struggling for several days with bronchitis. Over the weekend the Vatican said the Holy Father had suffered a respiratory crisis and required a blood transfusion, with the Holy See on Sunday evening stating that Francis’ condition was “critical.”
The Holy See Press Office on Monday indicated that the pope’s condition is stable. ”The night went well, the pope has slept and is resting,” the Vatican said Monday morning.
Francis is expected to stay in the hospital at least through Friday of this week.
‘Let us gather so that our prayer may accompany him’
Around the world, Catholics over the weekend and into Monday offered prayers for Pope Francis amid his stay in the hospital.
On Saturday, dozens of Catholics gathered in front of Gemelli Hospital in Rome to pray the rosary for the health of the Holy Father.
📹 VIDEO | This Saturday, February 22, marking eight days since Pope Francis’ hospitalization, dozens of Catholics gathered in front of the Agostino Gemelli Hospital to pray the Holy Rosary for the Holy Father’s health.
Prayers for Pope Francis’ Recovery: A Global Response
As Pope Francis marks one week in the hospital for treatment for pneumonia, Catholics around the world have come together in prayer for his recovery. Local Catholics and jubilee pilgrims in Rome, along with visitors from France and Poland, have offered fervent prayers for the Holy Father.
Local Catholics and jubilee pilgrims in Rome are praying for Pope Francis’ recovery as he marks one week in the hospital for treatment for pneumonia. pic.twitter.com/nV607FALjr
— Catholic News Agency (@cnalive) February 21, 2025
The Vatican has also announced that cardinals will lead a nightly rosary in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’ recovery. Cardinal Pietro Parolin led the first prayer service on Monday.
Cardinals residing in Rome will lead a nightly rosary in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’s recovery, with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin presiding over the first prayer service. pic.twitter.com/CAa4JYKpxh
— Catholic News Agency (@cnalive) February 24, 2025
Furthermore, dioceses and bishops worldwide have responded with prayers and Masses for the pope. In Kenya, Catholics gathered at Nairobi’s Holy Family Basilica on Sunday for a special Mass to pray for Pope Francis’ swift recovery.
Kenyan Catholic believers gathered at a special service at Nairobi’s Holy Family Basilica to pray for Pope Francis’ recovery as the pontiff battles double pneumonia in a hospital in the Italian capital, Rome. pic.twitter.com/Y4jZ201L2j
— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) February 22, 2025
