CV NEWS FEED // Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square Monday evening to pray for Pope Francis as he battles critical health problems.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin led cardinals, Curia officials, and lay Catholics as they prayed the Rosary together.
In a moving show of solidarity with the Pope, the crowd united in singing the “Salve Regina” following the Rosary.
Pope Francis, who turned 88 in December, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital Feb. 14 with double pneumonia and has remained there for eleven days.
In his address to the gathered faithful, Cardinal Parolin entrusted the Pope “to the powerful intercession of Mary” before kneeling before an image of Mary and Jesus.
“May she, our caring Mother, sustain [Pope Francis] in this time of illness and trial, and help him to recover his health soon,” the cardinal said.
Earlier in the day, the Holy See Press Office released a statement announcing that “the Cardinals residing in Rome, along with all collaborators of the Roman Curia and the Diocese of Rome, responding to the sentiments of the people of God, will gather in St. Peter’s Square at 9:00 PM to recite the Holy Rosary for the health of the Holy Father.”
“Pope Francis thanks the entire People of God, who in these days have gathered to pray for his health,” the Press Office statement added, according to Vatican News.
