Rome prays for Pope Francis amidst his pneumonia battle

Pope Francis has a long history as a visitor to Rome, well before he ascended to the papacy. Throughout the years, he formed bonds with local shopkeepers and artisans, who now express their support for him as he battles double pneumonia.

Alessandro Spiezia, the Pope’s optician, warmly regards him as more than just a client: “The pope is by now a friend, a beloved person for me, not a customer,” Spiezia shared, underscoring his prayers for Francis’ health. Unplanned visits by Francis to Spiezia’s shop on Via del Babuino near Piazza del Popolo often led to spontaneous crowds as onlookers realized that the pope was present.

Since taking on the role in 2013, Pope Francis has occasionally dropped by to update his eyeglasses. Arriving in unassuming cars like a Ford or Fiat and surrounded by minimal security, he has been known to cheerfully wave to well-wishers during his visits.

Beyond eyewear, Pope Francis also indulges in particular ice cream flavors, with a nearby gelateria in the vicinity of his Vatican residence known for satisfying his sweet cravings. Sebastian Padrón, an Argentine ice cream maker who opened his gelato laboratory near the Santa Marta hotel, made an impression with his dulce de leche ice cream—an Argentine specialty—that became a favorite of the pope.

Padrón recalls a personal invitation from Francis post-COVID: “He wanted to meet me since he had been eating our ice cream for a few years. We went with my family, we talked to him for a long time. A very nice meeting, very friendly, very simple, as if we were neighbors and as if we had known each other our whole lives.” Following news of Francis’ health, Padrón conveyed his well-wishes, noting the pope’s advice to keep him in prayers.

Local tailor Raniero Mancinelli is similarly concerned about the pope’s well-being. Renowned for having sold Francis the modest pectoral cross—a significant accessory the pope has worn for decades—Mancinelli is reflective: “We are all saddened and we all pray for the recovery of the pope.” Previously, Mancinelli dealt in more ornate crosses embellished with gemstones, but under Francis, there has been a shift to simpler designs in silver. The particular cross worn by the pope for years was initially a gift from a bishop friend acquired from Mancinelli’s establishment.

Upon becoming pope in 2013, Francis opted for a more humble lifestyle, choosing an austere room at the Santa Marta hotel within Vatican City over the lavish papal apartments at the Apostolic Palace. He has often expressed nostalgia for his former life in Buenos Aires, where he was known for taking public transport and roaming freely.

During his tenure as archbishop, Francis frequently visited Rome, continuously patronizing his preferred locales, including a record shop where he indulged in classical music and tango. In 2022, a chance encounter with a journalist captured Francis leaving the shop after blessing it post-renovation. The occurrence prompted a conversation about the challenges of his public outings, with Francis later remarking humorously to Javier Martinez-Brocal, the journalist, “You can’t lose your sense of humor.”