Global Prayers For ‘Critically’ Sick Pope Francis

Catholic faithful pray during a mass for the healing of Pope Francis at San Miguel Arcangel Cathedral in Tegucigalpa on February 23, 2025. (Photo by Orlando SIERRA / AFP)

Pope Francis spent his tenth day in hospital Sunday as Catholics around the world prayed for his recovery, the day after the Vatican warned the 88-year-old’s condition was “critical”.

The Argentine pontiff, who is being treated for double pneumonia, suffered a prolonged asthma-style attack on Saturday and required blood transfusions for a low platelet count.

According to Vatican officials, the Holy See stated on Sunday morning that "the night passed peacefully, the pope rested," suggesting that the crisis from the day before would not recur.

However, at the papal suite at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, Francis, who had a portion of his lung removed when he was a young man, continues to receive oxygen through a tube in his nostrils.

In a message published Sunday but written in the past few days, the Jesuit thanked hospital staff and said he had confidence in his treatment.

“I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment — and rest is also part of the therapy!” he said.

“I ask you to pray for me,” he concluded in the text published in lieu of his weekly Sunday Angelus, which he normally delivers from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square.

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