Pope Francis’ Health Crisis Prompts Evening Vigils at St. Peter’s Square/ Neweslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Vatican has launched nightly prayer vigils in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis, who remains in critical condition battling pneumonia and early kidney insufficiency. Led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the first Rosary prayer is set for Monday evening. While the pope is alert and attending Mass, doctors warn of serious risks, including potential sepsis.
Pope Francis Health Update: Quick Looks
- Nightly prayers begin: Vatican invites faithful to St. Peter’s Square for evening Rosary
- Critical condition: Pope Francis battles double pneumonia and early kidney issues
- Doctors cautious: High-flow oxygen administered, prognosis remains guarded
- Public concern grows: Emotional Mass held at Gemelli hospital chapel
- Risk of sepsis: Doctors warn of potential complications but no sepsis detected yet
- Longest hospitalization: Francis’s stay now surpasses his 2021 surgery recovery
- Global prayers: Cardinal Dolan acknowledges the pope’s fragile state
Pope Francis’ Health Crisis Prompts Evening Vigils at St. Peter’s Square
Deep Look
ROME (AP) — As Pope Francis’ health remains critical, the Vatican announced the start of nightly Rosary prayers in St. Peter’s Square on Monday, urging people worldwide to join in prayer. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s second-highest official, will lead the first evening vigil in a show of solidarity with the 88-year-old pontiff.
The public prayer gatherings immediately drew comparisons to the candlelit vigils held before the 2005 death of St. John Paul II, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Pope Francis Battles Multiple Health Issues
The Vatican confirmed that Francis is battling:
- Double pneumonia with high-flow oxygen support
- Early-stage kidney insufficiency, currently stable
- A history of chronic lung issues, heightening the risk of sepsis
Doctors say his prognosis is guarded but emphasized that, as of Monday, no signs of sepsis—a dangerous blood infection often complicating pneumonia—had been detected.
Vatican Reports on Pope’s Condition
Despite the severity of his condition:
- Francis slept well Sunday night and remains alert and in good spirits
- He is not experiencing pain or receiving artificial nutrition
- On Sunday, he attended Mass at the Gemelli hospital chapel
A medical update is expected later Monday as concerns mount over his fragile health and advanced age.
Public Reaction: ‘We Are With Him in Prayer’
At the Gemelli hospital, where Francis has been since Feb. 14, Bishop Claudio Giulio Dori led an emotional Mass packed with hospital staff and visitors.
“We are very sorry. Pope Francis is a good pope, let’s hope that he makes it,” said Filomena Ferraro, a hospital visitor moved to tears.
Faithful across Italy have been gathering outside the hospital, holding candles and reciting prayers.
Risk Factors and Medical Concerns
Medical experts highlight that Francis faces several high-risk factors:
- His chronic lung disease makes recovery from pneumonia complicated
- Kidney insufficiency could worsen under prolonged illness
- Sepsis threat: Doctors are vigilant for any signs of bloodstream infection
At 10 days, this hospitalization is now Francis’s longest as pope, surpassing his 2021 surgery recovery.
Cardinal Dolan: ‘We Stand at the Bedside of a Dying Father’
In New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan delivered a candid homily at St. Patrick’s Cathedral:
“As our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health, and probably close to death,” Dolan said.
While later clarifying his hope for the pope’s recovery, Dolan’s remarks captured the global anxiety surrounding Francis’s condition.
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