Senior Vatican official and Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle led prayers for Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square on Tuesday, February 25, as the pontiff remains in critical condition for the fourth consecutive day.
Hundreds of devotees, including pilgrims from Brazil and the United States, gathered at the Vatican’s main square to recite the rosary, expressing their deep admiration for the Pope’s advocacy for mercy and support for the underprivileged.
Pope Francis, 88, is battling double pneumonia and remains in critical but stable condition, according to a Vatican statement. Officials noted that he has not experienced further respiratory crises.
The pontiff is now on his 12th night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital—his longest hospital stay since assuming the papacy. The latest health update describes his prognosis as “guarded,” though his circulatory system remains stable.
