As Pope Francis battles serious health complications, congregations from every corner of the globe have come together in prayer, calling for recovery and support for the 88-year-old pontiff who is currently in critical condition.
Pope Francis in Critical Condition: Global Prayer Support Gathers Momentum
Pope Francis in Critical Condition: Global Prayer Support Gathers Momentum
Catholic communities around the world unite in prayer for Pope Francis as his health deteriorates.
In an alarming update on the state of Pope Francis, discharged from the hospital after more than a week, the Vatican confirmed that he is "not out of danger," leading Roman Catholics worldwide to engage in fervent prayers during Sunday Mass. The pontiff's health has taken a troubling turn since being hospitalized on February 14, originally due to an infection that escalated into pneumonia affecting both lungs. The Vatican reported that on Saturday, Francis suffered from a severe respiratory issue, necessitating the administration of significant oxygen levels and a blood transfusion.
Since his appointment in 2013, Pope Francis has led nearly 1.4 billion Roman Catholics globally. His illness has prompted prayer vigils, with many believers expressing concern about his age and the seriousness of pneumonia.
At the Myeongdong Cathedral in South Korea, Pat Santos, a tourist from the Philippines, voiced his worries, stating, "Pneumonia is a serious illness for his age, that’s why we should be worried.” He offered hopes for the pope’s recovery so he can enjoy his later years peacefully.
Past health issues have raised alarm among church officials; some cardinals have even hinted at the potential for Francis to resign, reminiscent of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, in 2013. Medical professionals have indicated that the pope will remain at the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, a Rome hospital, for a minimum of another week, with their May updates suggesting heightened complications.
Father Vicente Gabriel Bautista led a heartfelt prayer during Mass at the Manila Cathedral, urging the divine for continued support for Pope Francis: “Once more, we continue to keep in our prayers Pope Francis. May the Lord continue to extend to him his love, his mercy, and his healing.” Prayer gatherings have also taken place across major cities, including Sydney and Melbourne, exemplifying the immense international support during this critical juncture for the Holy Father.
Since his appointment in 2013, Pope Francis has led nearly 1.4 billion Roman Catholics globally. His illness has prompted prayer vigils, with many believers expressing concern about his age and the seriousness of pneumonia.
At the Myeongdong Cathedral in South Korea, Pat Santos, a tourist from the Philippines, voiced his worries, stating, "Pneumonia is a serious illness for his age, that’s why we should be worried.” He offered hopes for the pope’s recovery so he can enjoy his later years peacefully.
Past health issues have raised alarm among church officials; some cardinals have even hinted at the potential for Francis to resign, reminiscent of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, in 2013. Medical professionals have indicated that the pope will remain at the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, a Rome hospital, for a minimum of another week, with their May updates suggesting heightened complications.
Father Vicente Gabriel Bautista led a heartfelt prayer during Mass at the Manila Cathedral, urging the divine for continued support for Pope Francis: “Once more, we continue to keep in our prayers Pope Francis. May the Lord continue to extend to him his love, his mercy, and his healing.” Prayer gatherings have also taken place across major cities, including Sydney and Melbourne, exemplifying the immense international support during this critical juncture for the Holy Father.
