Faithful gather in prayer as Pope Francis' health shows signs of improvement

For the fourth consecutive day, February 27, thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square and at Rome's Gemelli Hospital to recite the Rosary for Pope Francis' recovery.

The evening prayer, scheduled for 9:00 p.m., was led by Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, the Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, as a profound expression of sorrow for the pope’s suffering, hope for his recovery, and gratitude for his leadership in guiding the Catholic Church through challenging times.

Earlier in the afternoon, at 4:30 p.m., another Rosary session took place outside the main entrance of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS. Hospital staff, students, and faithful gathered in a shared moment of prayer and solidarity, lifting their hearts for the Holy Father’s healing.

At 1:00 p.m., Cardinal Reina also presided over a Eucharistic Adoration and liturgy at the hospital, reassuring those present that although Pope Francis was physically absent, he was spiritually united with them in prayer.

Reflecting on the Pope's unwavering dedication to prayer and his ceaseless advocacy for peace, Cardinal Reina emphasized the power of collective intercession.

"May the Lord restore him to health, and may his Church continue to benefit from his guidance and prophetic vision," he said.

The 88-year-old pontiff remains hospitalized for bilateral pneumonia at Gemelli Hospital, where he has been undergoing treatment for 11 days. 

A Thursday evening statement from the Holy See Press Office confirmed continued improvement in his condition.

“He alternated high-flow oxygen therapy with a Ventimask. The statement read, "We need further days of clinical stability to clarify the prognosis due to the complexity of the clinical picture."

The complexity of his condition necessitates additional days of clinical stability before a full prognosis.

The Vatican also announced the cancellation of upcoming events, including the Jubilee Audience scheduled for March 1, as Pope Francis continues his recovery.

Despite his hospitalization, the pope remains engaged in prayer and work, spending time in the chapel of his private hospital apartment and attending to his responsibilities.

As prayers for his recovery continue to rise from Rome to the farthest corners of the world, the nightly Rosary vigils reflect not just concern for his health but also deep gratitude for his life of service.

The ongoing outpouring of faith and solidarity underscores the profound spiritual bond between Pope Francis and the people he has led with wisdom, compassion, and humility.