In Buenos Aires, Argentine Catholics have been gathering in churches to pray for Pope Francis, who is currently in critical condition due to a serious lung infection in a hospital in Rome. The iconic obelisk in Buenos Aires displayed the message: “Francisco, the city prays for you.”
Faithful from around the world, particularly from Argentina, where the Pope was born and served as a bishop, are sending well wishes and prayers for his swift recovery. Since being elected as the first Latin American Pope in 2013, he has not returned to his homeland.
In a recent health update from the Vatican, it was reported that while Pope Francis is conscious, he is still receiving significant oxygen support after experiencing respiratory crises and blood transfusions. The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized since February 14.
Pope Francis has expressed gratitude for the messages and prayers he has received, particularly those from children. On social media, he mentioned how touching it was to receive letters and drawings from young people, thanking everyone for their support and prayers.
In Argentina’s capital, clergy and parishioners who have known Francis emphasize his commitment to uplifting the Church’s focus on the less fortunate. Some feel disappointed that the Pope has not visited Argentina since his papacy began.
Father Lorenzo de Vedia, known as “Toto,” mentioned, “I believe Pope Francis has brought the Church back to the Gospel, desiring a Church that is poor and for the poor, reflecting his Latin American roots.” He highlighted Francis’s ability to embody Jesus’s vision of a Church dedicated to serving the needy.
Services for the Pope’s health are being held throughout Argentina, with a large mass expected in Plaza Constitución, a place where Pope Francis, known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio before his election, mingled with the local people facing economic hardships.
Supportive gestures included projecting the Pope’s image at landmarks like the obelisk in Buenos Aires and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Regional leaders, such as Colombian President Gustavo Petro, have also sent messages of encouragement, recognizing the Pope as a champion for those in need.
Francisca Campos, a 68-year-old resident of Buenos Aires, approached the city’s cathedral to pray for the Pope, whom she considers a friend from his time as a bishop, expressing a tinge of disappointment that he seems distant from Argentina now.
Lucía Vidal, a retired nurse, described him as a humble servant who was deeply involved in the community. She fondly remembers his dedication to the marginalized and hopes for his recovery, although she feels that his health may prevent him from returning to Argentina.
Vidal noted that it was disheartening that while many leaders acknowledged the Pope’s illness, the current President of Argentina, Javier Milei, has not yet reached out. She reminisced about the times when Bergoglio served masses in local neighborhoods, emphasizing how much he is missed.
Rita Fernández, a 70-year-old community volunteer, remembered how Pope Francis would annually celebrate mass in the local villa, often mingling with the people. She expressed hope and prayer for his recovery, wishing he could return to his roots in Argentina in good health.
