Thousands gathered under umbrellas in St. Peter’s Square Monday night as the Catholic Church faced a pivotal moment: praying for 88-year-old Pope Francis’ recovery from bilateral pneumonia. Despite slight improvements in his condition after 11 days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Vatican officials emphasized the pontiff remains in critical health.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin led a rain-soaked vigil for 4,000 attendees, many clutching rosaries or candles.
“To see him suffer hurts,” said Romanian seminarian Robert Pietro, holding a candle symbolizing hope. “But we pray in gratitude for his transformative leadership.”
The Vatican’s optimistic bulletin noted reduced oxygen needs since Saturday, yet the crowd’s somber mood reflected fears this could mark Francis’ final days. Pilgrims from Mexico to London shared stories of his impact:
- Guadalajara priest Roberto Allison praised Francis’ teachings on humility
- Peruvian visitor Hatzumi Villanueva highlighted his advocacy for migrants
- London tourists described feeling “historically connected” despite being non-Catholic
As the first Latin American pope, Francis reshaped Church priorities through environmental encyclicals, LGBTQ+ outreach, and financial reforms. His 2013 election – following a lung surgery in youth – made his current respiratory crisis particularly alarming to followers.
Vatican tailor Raniero Mancinelli, who dressed three popes, told AP: “We are all sorry. His absence leaves a void no protocol can fill.” Meanwhile, pilgrim leader Elisabetta Zumbo led 34 Italians through torrential rain, vowing to “pray intensely” near the colonnades where Francis once greeted crowds.
With doctors cautioning about his age and preexisting lung damage, Monday’s vigil became both a medical vigil and celebration of a boundary-breaking papacy. As Chicago pilgrim Edward Burjek noted: “No one knows God’s plan, but we’re witnessing history – in the rain, together.”
