The Vatican announced Monday that cardinals will lead a nightly rosary in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’s recovery, with the first prayer service scheduled for 9 p.m. Rome time on Monday evening.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin presided over the inaugural gathering, broadcast live across EWTN’s television networks and digital platforms.
“Starting [Monday] evening, 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 9:00 p.m. to recite the Holy Rosary for the health of the Holy Father,” the Holy See Press Office said in a statement.
The prayer initiative comes as the 88-year-old pontiff continues his recovery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on Feb. 14 for what the Vatican then described as a mild flu condition.
During his Sunday Angelus message, which was read on his behalf, the pope expressed gratitude for the “closeness and prayers” he has received during his hospitalization.
The Vatican reported Tuesday morning that the pontiff “rested well throughout the night.”
The brief statement follows Monday evening’s announcement from the Vatican press office indicating a “slight improvement” in what they continue to describe as the Holy Father’s “critical health condition.”
The pope has been hospitalized since Feb. 14 and experienced a concerning respiratory episode on Saturday that required a blood transfusion due to anemia.
According to Vatican sources, Francis has experienced no further episodes of respiratory distress since his last reported asthmatic episode on Saturday. While oxygen therapy continues, officials confirmed it has been “slightly reduced” in intensity. with an additional medical update expected Tuesday evening.
The rosary will be available on EWTN’s television channels worldwide and through the network’s digital platforms, including its mobile app and YouTube channel. (Catholic news agency)
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