Prayer Gathering in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’ Health
On a poignant evening in St. Peter’s Square, hundreds of faithful gathered on February 24 to pray for Pope Francis during his hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital. The gathering which took place at 9:00 p.m. was a heartfelt response to a call for prayers issued earlier that day bolstered by an ongoing prayer marathon that had started in various dioceses worldwide.
Despite inclement weather and a transport strike in Rome, the crowd included young people, families, priests, nuns, cardinals and members of the Roman Curia all uniting in a recitation of the Rosary led by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. In his opening address, Cardinal Parolin urged attendees to pray for the Pope’s recovery affirming that “intense prayer has risen to the Lord” from the global Catholic community amidst concerns for the 88-year-old Pontiff’s health.
As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere was intimate and inviting, with the gathering not dampened by a light rain. Approximately thirty cardinals were present, with notable figures such as Cardinals Tagle, Ouellet, and Burke seated prominently among the crowd. Many attendees displayed rosary beads, national flags, and images of the Pope as they participated in the prayer service, reciting the Joyful Mysteries and listening to litanies and Scripture readings.
Cardinal Parolin emphasized the Church’s long history of praying for the Pope during times of illness and distress, referencing the Acts of the Apostles as he encouraged the faithful to unite in prayer for Francis. “We entrust him to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom we invoke under the title of Salus Infirmorum (Health of the Sick),” he stated, asking for her support for the ailing Pontiff.
The prayer gathering concluded with the Sign of the Cross, an applause from the crowd and echoed chants of “Viva il Papa.” Many stayed behind reflecting on the significance of the moment. Among them were a group of Spanish nuns, Filipino priests, and a Colombian priest who expressed solidarity: “It’s a difficult moment, but we are with him.”
Attendees shared their sentiments about Pope Francis. Two young women remarked, “The Pope will make it; he has to make it. We need him.” A woman in a black coat spoke of her worries for the Pope but found solace in the communal prayer, saying, “It was beautiful to do it together. So many people… He always tells us, ‘Pray for me,’ and we did.”
Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, surrounded by young Koreans expressed gratitude for the community’s support for the Pope during his illness. “We must pray for him, who has loved us so much, and now we must give love to the Pope. I hope he recovers soon,” he affirmed.
The heartfelt gathering showcased the unwavering support of the Catholic community for Pope Francis, reflecting a profound commitment to prayer and unity during challenging times.
