Prayers pour in as Vatican confirms Pope Francis is in 'critical' condition

As the Vatican issues a concerning health update on Pope Francis, prayers and good wishes have poured in from around the world.

On Saturday evening, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis remains in critical condition as he continues his battle with double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.

The 88-year-old pontiff is in a "critical" condition. Credit: Stefano Costantino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The 88-year-old pontiff has now been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for over a week, where he has now undergone a blood transfusion due to thrombocytopenia, a condition associated with anemia.

Despite some reassuring updates — including reports that he was sitting upright, working, and even joking — his medical team has warned that he is not out of danger and will need to remain under hospital care for at least another week.

This evening's update (February 22) reads: "The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical. Therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger. This morning, Pope Francis experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen.

"Today's blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions.

"The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is more uncomfortable than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded."

Pope Francis was hospitalized last week. Credit: Franco Origlia/Getty

Growing Concerns as Pope’s Condition Worsens

The Vatican revealed on Saturday evening that Pope Francis suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis earlier that morning, exacerbating concerns about his already fragile health.

"Is he out of danger? No," said Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the Pope’s chief medical advisor said on Friday. "But if the question is 'is he in danger of death,' the answer is 'no'."

While doctors emphasized that he does not have sepsis, they warned that the infection could still spread — a major risk given his history of respiratory illness.

Physicians Luigi Carbone (L) and Sergio Alfieri (R) provide an update on Pope Francis. Credit: Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Pope, who lost part of one of his lungs due to pleurisy as a young man, also suffered acute pneumonia in 2023.

Global Outpouring of Prayers and Support

As Pope Francis fights to regain his health, an overwhelming wave of prayers and messages has poured in from across the world, uniting political leaders, religious figures, and millions of faithful in solidarity and hope.

One of the most personal messages came from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, leader of the Orthodox Church, who addressed Pope Francis as his “beloved brother” in a handwritten letter.

He wished him a “swift and complete recovery” and a return to his “sacred and important duties”, The Vatican reports.

The Government of the City of Buenos Aires, Argentina, paid tribute to Pope Francis by projecting his images onto the iconic Obelisk with the message 'La Ciudad Reza Por Vos' (The City Prays for You). Credit: Luciano Gonzalez/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, urged Catholics worldwide to come together “as one family in faith” to pray for the Pope’s recovery.

Similarly, Cardinal Béchara Boutros Raï, Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites, publicly and privately prayed for Francis, saying: “May the Lord help him and grant him healing.”

In Africa, the Symposium of Bishops’ Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) assured “solidarity and spiritual closeness” from all faithful across the continent.

Prayers from the Pope’s Homeland and Beyond

In Argentina, Pope Francis’ homeland, Archbishop Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva of Buenos Aires led a call for prayers, writing: "We express our love for Pope Francis and ask God to grant him strength, restore his health, and sustain him in the mission entrusted to him."

Across Latin America, bishops and dioceses from Uruguay, Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, Peru, Nicaragua, and Brazil have also rallied in prayer.

Nuns pray during a Rosary service in front of the Gemelli hospital. Credit: Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

The Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) also sent a letter of support, praying that the Pope “may feel the strength and consolation of the Lord” and “grant him much patience” as he recovers.

Support from Canada, the U.S., and Asia

In Canada, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has called on churches and individuals to offer prayers, with Bishop William McGrattan of Calgary asking for the Pope’s renewed strength through the intercession of Our Lady.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also posted a special prayer for Pope Francis on their website.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, President of the Episcopal Conference (CBCP), urged Catholics to pray for “his healing and recovery at this difficult time”.

Church candles depicting Pope Francis seen outside the Gemelli Hospital. Credit: Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

In China, the faithful have responded with prayers and fasting, while the Catholic website Xinde.org continues to publish Holy See updates on the Pope’s condition.

World Leaders Express Concern and Well-Wishes

Political figures have also expressed support, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visiting Pope Francis in the hospital on February 19.

On Friday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres spoke with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, emphasizing "how important the Pope is, not only for the Church, but also for the whole world.”

At an event in Bologna, Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI), offered a hopeful update, stating that “we are heading in the right direction” toward a full recovery.

For the second consecutive week, Pope Francis will not lead Sunday’s Angelus prayer, instead preparing a written homily for someone else to read.

While the Vatican has not commented on growing speculation of a possible resignation, Francis’ health struggles have prompted discussions about the future of his leadership.

For now, the world waits — and prays — as the beloved Pope continues his health battle.

Featured image credit: Luciano Gonzalez/Anadolu via Getty Images