Hundreds of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray a Rosary for the speedy recovery of Pope Francis, 10 days after he was hospitalized at Gemelli.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin presided over the prayer.
CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN
From this evening, we also want to join together, publicly, here in his home with the recitation of the Holy Rosary. We entrust him to the powerful intercession of the Most Holy Mary whom we invoke especially with the title of Salus infirmorum.
Shortly before 9pm, many faithful could already be seen arriving at St. Peter's.
It was a coincidence that we were present at such a special moment to be able to give him that support. As Pope Francis says: “Pray for me”, and we are here to give him that total support.
We were here in Rome and decided that this was the place to be tonight. We heard about the vigil, and what better place to be?
Despite the rain that has bathed Rome throughout the day, hundreds of pilgrims have come to pray for Pope Francis' speedy recovery.
There have been a lot of people there these past few days. I was really struck by this. I've been there before and today. There are a lot of people, and I think it's worth praying for the Pope's health.
The displays of affection towards the Pope in these critical moments for his health do not cease. This Rosary has only been one more sign of the closeness of the people.
For me, the Pope is the most important Argentine of recent times, and the truth is that I think we need him here with us… We don't need a change, we need the Pope to recover and move forward because I think he is the leader that there can be now.
27 cardinals participated in this ceremony. It took place a few hours after the latest news of the Pope's health status was known.
Pope Francis is showing a slight improvement. He has not had any more respiratory crises, and his kidney failure is not worrying the health workers. He continues with oxygen, but with better flow. In fact, this day, he worked, received the Eucharist and was even able to call the Parish of Gaza.
BAM
TR: GS
