Prayers in St. Peter's Square as Pope Francis battles illness
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, currently hospitalised 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 worshippers from various countries participated in the rosary prayer.
- Under Mary's maternal gaze, we pray for the health of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Naturally, the Holy Father wishes our prayers to extend not only to him but also to all those who, at this particularly dramatic moment of the world's suffering, bear the heavy burdens 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, leading to a worsening of his condition. The evening report mentioned a single bronchial spasm that caused a sudden decline in his 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 24-48 hours to assess the impact of the new crisis on the Pope's overall health.
