Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray for Pope Francis, who is suffering from illness. They expressed their sorrow for the Pope's illness, their hope for his recovery, and their gratitude for his leadership in guiding the Catholic Church in a new direction. Pope Francis's health is on the minds of countless believers, all of whom are praying for him.
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03-30, 2025The 88-year-old Pope is suffering from pneumonia in both lungs and, although his condition has slightly improved after 11 days in the hospital, he remains in critical condition. The Vatican said earlier on Tuesday that the Pope "slept well throughout the night." Nevertheless, concerns about the Pope's health persist.
On Monday evening (early Tuesday AEDT), Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's second-in-command, led believers in a 45-minute prayer session on a cold and rainy night, with the faithful reciting rosaries and praying for Francis's recovery. The Vatican had earlier released an optimistic health bulletin, more so than in recent days. This suggests that there may have been some positive changes in the Pope's condition.
Nevertheless, the atmosphere in the memorial square remained solemn, with the approximately 4,000 people gathered aware that they might be spending Pope Francis's last days in Rome. People sat on folding chairs, held umbrellas, or stood by the huge colonnades, fondly recalling the Pope's achievements. This emotion, a mixture of sadness and respect, permeated the entire square.
"It hurts to see him suffer," said Robert Petro, a seminary student from Romania, standing among the praying crowd, holding a small, fragrant candle as a sign of respect. "But we also pray, thanking him for everything he has done for the church." Father Roberto Allison from Guadalajara, Mexico, said members of his community gathered to express their gratitude for "everything we have learned from him." These voices represent the feelings of countless believers.
Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco stopped at the end of the ceremony to personally offer blessings to some people, saying that the diversity of the crowd - many world languages could be heard - was a "great consolation" for the Catholic Church. This also symbolizes Pope Francis's influence transcending borders and cultures.
The Argentine Pope, who had part of a lung removed when he was young, has been hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14. Doctors said that his condition was precarious given his age, frailty, and pre-existing lung disease. But in Monday's update, they said he had not had any further respiratory crises since Saturday, and the supplemental oxygen he was using was continuing, but the oxygen flow and concentration had been slightly reduced. This may be a positive sign that his condition is stabilizing.
A Catholic tourist couple from Chicago arrived with umbrellas before the ceremony began, saying they had prayed for the Pope earlier in the daily Mass at St. Peter's Basilica and decided to come back. Like many, they found it "hard to accept" that they might be spending Pope Francis's last days in Rome. "No one knows the day or the hour, but it is still a historic moment," said Edward Budjeck. Hazumi Villanueva from Peru felt the same way. She particularly liked former Pope Saint John Paul II, but she said Francis, as the first Latin American Pope, was "closer to the people."
"We came to pray for the Pope, for his speedy recovery, for the great mission of the message of peace he is sharing," Villanueva said, praising the Pope's compassion for immigrants. Francis's papacy has also emphasized environmental protection and a partial openness to LGBTQ+ rights. These initiatives have earned him widespread respect and support.
Outside the Vatican, Romans, pilgrims, and even non-Catholics have said they are offering special prayers for the hospitalized Pope. "We are all sorry," said Raniero Mancinelli, who tailors liturgical vestments for Francis and the two previous Popes in a shop outside the Vatican walls. Elisabetta Zumbo, carrying a 1.5-meter-long cross, walked along a section of the cordon leading to St. Peter's Square, preparing to lead 34 pilgrims from the northern Italian city of Piacenza. In the pouring rain, she promised that her group would offer intense prayers for the Pope. "There is a lot of emotion and a lot of sadness," Zumbo said. Nearby, a couple from London, visiting St. Peter's Basilica with their son, said that even though they were not Catholic, they felt close to the Pope "in his home," the monumental basilica. This reflects Pope Francis's influence beyond religious boundaries.
