Vatican Begins Nighttime Vigils for Pope

Francis battles lung infection as faithful gather to pray
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Feb 24, 2025 10:53 AM CST
Vatican Begins Nighttime Vigils for Pope
Journalists report from St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.   (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

The Vatican has initiated nighttime prayers for Pope Francis' health as he battles a complex lung infection. Cardinal Pietro Parolin led the first prayer in St. Peter's Square on Monday. Pope Francis, 88, is facing double pneumonia and early stages of kidney insufficiency. He is awake, in good spirits, and not receiving artificial nutrition. His condition is critical but stable, with no respiratory crises since Saturday. He is receiving supplemental oxygen.

The hospitalization began on February 14 after a bout of bronchitis worsened. At the Gemelli hospital, Bishop Claudio GiulioDori conducted a Mass attended by doctors and visitors, including Filomena Ferraro, who expressed hope for the pope's recovery. Ferraro said: "We are very sorry. Pope Francis is a good pope, let's hope that he makes it. Let us hope... We are joining him with our prayers but what else can we do?" This hospital stay marks Pope Francis' longest at 10 days, surpassing his 2021 hospitalization for colon surgery. Sepsis remains a potential threat, though signs have not emerged. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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