Pope recuperates as Argentines in Rome pray for his healing

Pope Francis remained in critical condition on Wednesday as he rested at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. Argentines and Romans gathered to pray for his recovery from double pneumonia.

The Vatican reported that Francis had a peaceful night. On Tuesday night, Argentine faithful in Rome attended a special Mass at the Argentine church. Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, the pope’s vicar for Rome, led the service.

Rev. Fernando Laguna, the church’s rector, expressed his desire to embrace the pope through prayer. “I can’t visit him, but I know my prayers reach him,” he said.

Sister Nilda Trejo recalled the pope’s past struggles with breathing and speaking. “His voice was always weak, but he spoke straight to people’s hearts,” she said.

Meanwhile, Romans and visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the nightly Rosary, led by Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.

Doctors confirmed Francis was stable but remained critical. He underwent a follow-up CT scan for his lung infection, but no results were released. They stated his prognosis remained uncertain.

Despite his condition, Francis continued working from the hospital. On Tuesday, he made key governing decisions, signaling his focus on essential duties and the future.