By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The morning after Pope Francis’ doctors said that he remained in “critical” condition and showed initial signs of renal insufficiency, the Vatican press office said the pope was in “good spirits” and continuing his treatment.
The press office also announced that Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, would lead a public recitation of the rosary at 9 p.m. (3 p.m. EST) Feb. 24 in St. Peter’s Square. The prayer is a moment “to show the closeness of the church to the pope and all who are sick,” said Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office. Pope Francis, who celebrated his 88th birthday in December, has been an inpatient at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since Feb. 14; his doctors diagnosed double pneumonia.
The U.S. Catholic Bishops Offer this Prayer for our Holy Father:
O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all the faithful, look favorably on your servant Francis, whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd. Grant, we pray, that by word and example he may edify those over whom he has charge, so that, together with the flock entrusted to him, he may attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the Lord grant him strength and healing.
Members of the Diocese of St. Augustine are praying fervently for the Holy Father and we ask that all do the same. We are also closely monitoring updates from the Vatican and will post them to this website as they are available.
People pray for the ailing Pope Francis during a special evening Mass Feb. 23, 2025, in Rome’s Basilica of St. John Lateran. (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza)
People pray in the courtyard around a statue of St. John Paul II outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital Feb. 23, 2025, where Pope Francis is being treated for double pneumonia. (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza)
