VATICAN CITY — On Monday evening, thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square to offer prayers for Pope Francis, expressing heartfelt sorrow for his current health condition, while hoping for his recovery and acknowledging his impactful contributions to the Catholic Church’s direction.
The 88-year-old pontiff is battling pneumonia in both lungs and remains in a critical state, although there have been minor signs of improvement after an 11-day hospital stay.
During an evening of prayer led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s second-in-command, attendees held rosary beads, united in their wishes for the Pope’s well-being despite the chilly and wet circumstances. Earlier, the Vatican had shared a hopeful update regarding Francis’ condition, signaling a more positive outlook than before.
However, the atmosphere in the vast square was somber, as many of the approximately 4,000 gathered suspected they might be witnessing the final days of his papacy. Seated under umbrellas or standing by the colonnades, they reflected on his legacy.
“Seeing him suffer is painful,” shared Robert Pietro, a seminarian from Romania, who held a scented candle in tribute. “Yet, we also give thanks for his service to the Church.”
Roberto Allison, a priest from Guadalajara, noted that his community had gathered to express gratitude for “everything they have learned from him.”
Concluding the ceremony with personal blessings, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco noted that the diverse crowd, speaking many languages, was “a significant symbol of unity” for the Church.
The Argentine Pope, who previously had part of a lung removed, has been confined at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since mid-February. Considering his age and preexisting conditions, doctors have cautioned that his state remains precarious.
Yet, the latest assessment showed no further respiratory crises since the prior Saturday, with the provision of supplemental oxygen being gradually reduced.
Among the attendees were Catholic tourists from Chicago, who had participated in a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica earlier and returned, feeling the weight of potentially witnessing a historic moment.
“While it’s difficult to know what the future holds, it feels significant,” noted Edward Burjek.
For Hatzumi Villanueva from Peru, there was a special closeness to Francis being the first Latin American pope, even as she held fondness for former Pope St. John Paul II.
“We pray for his recovery and his ongoing mission of peace,” added Villanueva, who appreciated Francis’ empathy towards migrants and his stance on other social issues.
Even beyond the Vatican, many Romans, pilgrims, and non-Catholics offered prayers for the ailing pontiff.
“We all feel sadness,” remarked Raniero Mancinelli, a ceremonial clothing tailor for Francis and past popes.
With a 5-foot cross in tow, Elisabetta Zumbo led pilgrims from Piacenza, pledging fervent prayers despite the rainfall. “There is much emotion and sadness,” she stated.
Nearby, a visiting family from London, despite not being Catholic, expressed a feeling of connection to the Pope while visiting the basilica.
