Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Rome last night to pray for Pope Francis as he battles double pneumonia and the onset of kidney failure.
Despite a slight improvement after 11 days in the hospital, the 87-year-old pontiff remains in critical condition.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, led a 45-minute prayer service, with around 4,000 worshippers in attendance. Many expressed sorrow over the Pope’s suffering while holding on to hope for his recovery.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco offered personal blessings to some in the crowd. Reflecting on the diversity of those gathered, he described it as “a profound sign of comfort” for the Catholic Church.
In a promising sign, Francis met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin and his deputy, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, at Gemelli hospital on Tuesday to approve several decrees related to sainthood.
The Vatican’s Tuesday midday bulletin confirmed that Francis has authorised the beatification of five individuals and the canonisation of two others. Additionally, he has decided to convene a consistory to discuss future canonisations.
