Pope Francis faces new health scare as prayers fill St. Peter's
A prayer service was held at St. Peter's Square for Pope Francis, who is once again experiencing respiratory issues.
For the fifth consecutive evening, the faithful gathered at St. Peter's Square in Rome to pray for Pope Francis's health, as he is hospitalized due to another respiratory crisis. Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and a close associate of the Pope, led the prayer.
The rosary prayer was attended by cardinals, bishops from the Roman Curia, and faithful from various countries.
“Under the maternal gaze of Mary, we pray for the health of the Holy Father Francis. Of course, it is close to the Holy Father's heart that our prayer be for not only him but also all those who, in this particular, dramatic moment of the world's suffering, bear the great burden of war, disease, and poverty," Cardinal Fernandez said.
Pope Francis's health condition worsens
Following an earlier improvement in the Pope's health, on Friday he experienced a respiratory crisis at the Gemelli Polyclinic, leading to a worsening of his condition. The evening report indicated a single bronchospasm, which caused a sudden deterioration in his respiratory state. The Pope underwent bronchial aspiration and began non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which his body responded to well.
Pope Francis was conscious and cooperative during the therapeutic procedures. Doctors are withholding further prognoses, emphasizing that 24-48 hours are needed to assess the impact of the new crisis on his overall health condition.
