Pope Francis is receiving treatment for chronic respiratory issues, with updates on his condition prompting prayers and public vigils.
Pope Francis spent a restful night on Saturday, according to a statement from the Vatican regarding his health condition as he remains hospitalized for chronic respiratory issues.
Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, a close aide and head of the Papal Almsgiving Office, indicated that he has no further information beyond what the medical team has communicated about the Pope's health.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, emphasized during a mass on Saturday evening in Bergamo that the thoughts and fervent prayers of the Church and its faithful are dedicated to the recovery of
Pope Francis.
A spokesperson for the White House, Karoline Leavitt, also stated that prayers are being offered for the Pope.
The medical update released on Saturday indicated that
Pope Francis’ health remains critical.
He experienced a respiratory crisis requiring oxygen and a blood transfusion but remained alert and was able to sit in a wheelchair.
A spontaneous prayer gathering commenced in the courtyard of the Gemelli Hospital, where the Pope is receiving care, at the statue of Pope John Paul II from Saturday afternoon.
Attendees included both Italians and foreign visitors, with many pilgrims choosing to visit the hospital instead of St. Peter's Square, bringing flowers, candles, and messages of support.
The Basilica of St. Peter was filled with worshippers during the Saturday evening mass, which typically sees a smaller turnout, as attendees gathered to pray for the Pope.
Pope Francis is being treated at the same facility where Pope John Paul II underwent seven medical treatments between 1978 and 2005. His first treatment occurred in 1981 after an assassination attempt by Turkish terrorist Ali Agca.
John Paul II referred to the Gemelli Hospital as the "third Vatican" due to the level of care he received there.
His longest hospitalization occurred in March 2005, lasting 18 days.
In contrast, Pope Benedict XVI was never hospitalized at the Gemelli, although he visited the facility once to see his sick brother, Father Georg.
On Sunday, the Church celebrates the Jubilee of the Deacons, with Cardinal Rino Fisichella presiding over the mass in St. Peter's Basilica attended by participants from around the world.
Vatican announcements suggested that only a written version of the traditional Angelus prayer scheduled for noon would be disseminated.