Global wave of prayer and uncertainty as Pope Francis' health shows slight improvement

As Pope Francis remains hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Catholics and others around the world continue to pray for his recovery, even as Vatican updates indicate signs of slight improvement in his condition.

On the evening of Feb. 26, the Holy See Press Office updated the pontiff’s health, confirming that his kidney issues had subsided and lung inflammation was showing "a normal progression." 

The statement noted that his blood tests had returned encouraging results, and while he remains on high-flow oxygen therapy, he has not experienced any asthma-like episodes. However, the prognosis remains guarded.

"The Holy Father's condition has shown a slight further improvement over the past 24 hours," the statement read. "Despite the slight improvement, his prognosis remains guarded. This morning, the Holy Father received the Eucharist, and in the afternoon, he resumed his work."

For many, these updates offer cautious relief amid the widespread concern gripping Rome and the Vatican. Outside Gemelli Hospital, faithful gather daily, holding vigils and offering prayers for the 88-year-old pontiff. 

Among them is Simona Pettinato, who stood outside the hospital with a rosary. "Prayer is a powerful tool," she expressed. "It helps everyone, and we must have great faith."

The prolonged hospitalization has intensified speculation about the future of Francis' pontificate, with many drawing comparisons to the final days of Pope John Paul II in 2005. 

In St. Peter’s Square, hundreds of faithful—including cardinals, bishops, and laypeople—have gathered since February 24 to say the rosary for the pope.

Similar prayer gatherings have emerged in churches around the world, from Latin America to Asia, with religious leaders of various faiths joining in solidarity.

Alfonso La Femmina, a devotee who traveled to Gemelli Hospital, shared his hopes for Francis’ recovery. "When I see the news every morning and every evening that he has slept well, I feel pleased,” she told CNN News. When I hear that he is getting better, even if his condition is stable and the progress is still uncertain, I pray, hoping that he can recover as soon as possible."

Pope Francis, known for his resilience, continues to work from his hospital suite on the 10th floor, assisted by his two personal secretaries. 

Despite his fragile state, he has maintained his pastoral duties, even calling the Catholic parish in Gaza and meeting with Vatican officials. 

On Monday, he met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the papal chief of staff, and announced a committee to advance sainthood causes.

Meanwhile, speculation continues about the long-term implications of Francis’ health struggles. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York recently described the pope as being "probably close to death." 

A memo circulating among priests in New York suggested that the pontiff was nearing "the end of his earthly journey." 

However, Vatican sources maintain that while Francis remains physically weak, he remains spiritually and psychologically determined.

Jesuit priest Antonio Spadaro, a close adviser to Francis, reaffirmed the pope’s unwavering resolve. "His mentality is to keep working while he is alive and die in the trenches," he said.

Francis has also taken steps to ensure transparency regarding his health. Unlike past papal hospitalizations shrouded in secrecy, he has encouraged daily updates from the Vatican. 

His meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who later reassured the public that the pope was "alert" and even making jokes, further signaled his awareness of the need for openness.

Despite growing concerns about a possible resignation, Vatican insiders believe that Francis remains committed to his mission. 

As the world watches and prays, the pope’s words from an earlier interview resonate more than ever: "I ask only that you pray for me. I need it."