Prayers in St. Peter's square as Pope Francis faces health crisis
A prayer was held in St. Peter's Square for Pope Francis, who is once again facing respiratory issues.
In St. Peter's Square in Rome, for the fifth consecutive evening, the faithful gathered to pray for the health of Pope Francis, who is in the hospital due to another respiratory crisis. The prayer was led by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and a close collaborator of the Pope.
Cardinals, bishops from the Roman Curia, and faithful from various countries participated in the rosary prayer.
- Under Mary's maternal gaze, we pray for the health of the Holy Father Francis. Of course, the Holy Father is concerned that our prayer is not only for him but also for all those who, in this particular, dramatic moment of the world's suffering, bear the great burden of war, disease, and poverty - said Cardinal Fernandez.
Deterioration in Pope Francis' health
After a previous improvement in Pope Francis' health, on Friday he experienced a respiratory crisis at the Gemelli Polyclinic, and his health condition worsened. The evening report mentioned a single bronchial spasm that caused a sudden deterioration in respiratory status. The pope underwent bronchoaspiration and began non-invasive mechanical ventilation, to which his body responded well.
Pope Francis was conscious and cooperative during the therapeutic procedures. Doctors are withholding further prognoses, emphasizing that it will take 24 to 48 hours to assess the impact of the new crisis on the Pope's overall health.
