Cardinals to lead rosary for Pope Francis’ health in St. Peter’s Square

Feb. 24 (UPI) — Pope Francis’ doctors on Monday “are prudently maintaining their cautious prognosis” as the pontiff’s condition “despite its severity has shown a slight improvement” in respiratory and kidney issues at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

In the Monday night update, the press office said “no episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress occurred today, and some laboratory tests have shown improvement. The monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency has not raised any concerns. Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels.”

In the morning, the 88-year-old pope received the Eucharist, which is a Christian sacrament that involves sharing bread and wine to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection. In the afternoon he resumed his work.

On Monday night, he called the parish priest of Gaza “to express his paternal closeness,” according to the Vatican. The Holy Family parish in Gaza had sent a video, and the pope called to thank them.

Earlier Monday, the Vatican announced that there will be a rosary for Francis’ health Monday night in St. Peter’s Square.

“The Cardinals residing in Rome, along with all collaborators of the Roman Curia and the Diocese of Rome, responding to the sentiments of the people of God, will gather in St. Peter’s Square at 9 p.m. [local time] to recite the Holy Rosary for the health of the Holy Father,” a statement from the Vatican said.

Cardinal Secretary Pietro Parolin will lead the rosary service, the Holy See Press Office said.

“Pope Francis thanks the entire People of God, who in these days have gathered to pray for his health,” the Vatican said.

Officials said that Francis slept comfortably during his 10th night in the hospital without additional complications but remained in critical condition.

Francis continued to receive high-flow oxygen therapy after receiving blood transfusions Sunday.

“The night went well; the pope slept and is resting,” the Vatican said in a statement. “The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control. High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas.”

Francis entered Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Feb. 14, after difficulties breathing and being treated for bronchitis. Last Tuesday, he was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.

He still managed to take part in mass with those taking care of him. The pope issued a statement asking fellow Catholics to pray for him.

The Argentine native and the first Jesuit to be named pope has been hospitalized numerous times during his 12-year run as leader of the Catholic Church. He is susceptible to pneumonia because he contracted pleurisy in his 20s and had part of his lung removed.

Francis had reportedly remained in good spirits at various times during his stay and has not been on any life support machine away from oxygen, officials said.

The pontiff prepared the sermon at a mass celebrating the Jubilee of Deacons on Sunday at St. Peter’s Basilica. The homily was read by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and Vatican organizer of the Holy Year.