Praying for Pope Francis: A Nightly Gathering in St Peter’s Square

For the eighth consecutive night, a heartfelt gathering takes place in St Peter’s Square as the faithful come together to pray the Rosary for the health of Pope Francis.

By Vatican News

Cardinal Robert Prevost, the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, led the Rosary on Monday evening, urging everyone to remain in prayer with Mary Mother of the Church for the Holy Father’s health. Pope Francis has been in the hospital since February 14 due to bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia.

Since the Pope’s hospitalization, the Vicariate of Vatican City initiated an evening Rosary for his health, with Cardinals leading the faithful in prayer. The gathering on Monday marked the eighth consecutive night of praying for Pope Francis.

Cardinal Prevost emphasized the role of Mary as the Mother of Holy Hope, providing comfort and solace to those in need. The evening prayer sessions, held at 9 pm each night, include the recitation of the Rosary in the presence of the image of “Mary Mother of the Church” at St Peter’s Basilica.

On Monday, Cardinal Prevost led the meditation of the Joyful Mysteries and recited the Litany of Loreto with the faithful. The gathering concluded with a prayer for the Pope’s well-being and the blessing of all present by the Cardinal.

A prayer for the Pope

V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.

R. May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father. Hail Mary.

O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful, look favorably on your servant Francis, whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd; grant, we pray, that by word and example he may be of service to those over whom he presides so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care, he may come to everlasting life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.