Vatican Announces Nightly Rosary To Pray For Pope Francis’ Health
on Feb 25, 2025
The Pope Remains Hospitalized In Critical Condition
Thousands of people came together on Monday (February 24) to pray for Pope Francis’ health as he remains hospitalized.
The Associated Press reports that 88-year-old Francis has pneumonia in both lungs. He’s been hospitalized since Valentine’s Day (February 14) and is reported to be in critical condition.
Francis had a portion of one lung removed when he was younger. The Associated Press reports doctors have described his condition as “touch-and-go,” considering his age and previous medical history.
The Vatican shared on Monday that Pope Francis’ recent lab tests showed some slight improvements in his health. He also hasn’t experienced any additional respiratory crises since Saturday (February 22). While he remains hospitalized, he was able to resume some of his work on Monday.
The Vatican shared another encouraging update on Tuesday morning (February 25), saying the pope “slept well, all night.”
Cardinal Pietro Parolin Leads Rosary To Pray For Pope Francis’ Health
As Pope Francis remains hospitalized, the Vatican has announced a nightly Rosary to pray for his health. The first gathering was held on Monday evening, with Cardinal Pietro Parolin leading the prayer.
The Associated Press describes the scene on the rainy evening, writing:
“[Cardinal Parolin] led the faithful in a somber night-time recitation of the Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square that evoked the vigils when St. John Paul II was dying.”
St. John Paul II served as the pope from 1978 until he passed away in 2005.
VATICAN: Led by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, cardinals and officials of the Roman Curia are praying the Rosary for Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square.
— Michael Haynes 🇻🇦 (@MLJHaynes) February 24, 2025
He is joined by cardinals, along with clergy and faithful in the body of the Square @LifeSite pic.twitter.com/rqtvAsiDOG
Parolin addressed the thousands of people who gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Rosary, saying, “For 2,000 years, the Christian people have prayed for the pope when he was in danger or sick.”
He added, “Starting this evening, we want to unite ourselves publicly to this prayer here, in his house.”
U.S. President Donald Trump shared his well-wishes for the pope earlier on Monday. As he welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to the White House, a reporter asked if they had a message for Francis. Trump responded:
“Pope Francis, we wish him well.”
Macron added, “…we do think about about the the Holy Pope and we wish him a recovery and a prompt recovery.”
Despite his health problems, the Vatican stated that Pope Francis is still “in good spirits.” Stay tuned for any future updates.
