Pope Francis’ health crisis has triggered a wave of prayer and uncertainty across Rome, with his condition described as “complex” and “critical”.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Vatican has been providing twice-daily updates on the pope’s health, with the latest reports indicating slight improvement, but still too early to predict the outcome.
The pope has been hospitalised since February 14 for pneumonia and is being treated at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
Despite his critical condition, Francis continues to work on some activities, assisted by his personal secretaries, and has even made phone calls to the Catholic parish in Gaza.
People have gathered near the hospital and in St. Peter’s Square to pray for the pope’s recovery, with many leaving flowers, candles, and balloons at a makeshift shrine.
The pope’s bridge-building efforts have also led to prayers and well-wishes from beyond the Catholic Church, including from the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Egypt and an inter-religious service at a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.
As the world waits for updates on the pope’s health, speculation grows about a possible papal resignation. However, Francis remains spiritually and psychologically resilient, and his plans are unknown, even to those closest to him.
