Catholic leaders called upon the faithful to pray for Pope Francis in Italy and his native Argentina on Wednesday, after the 88-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with pneumonia the previous day.

In Latin America, Francis remains well-liked, though favorability has dropped, particularly in Argentina, where it fell from 98% in 2013 to 74% in 2024. Despite declines, he continues to be viewed as a transformative figure.

Pope Francis remained at the Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday night in Rome still requiring supplemental oxygen. At 88, Francis has lived for decades with only part of his lungs after a respiratory infection prompted surgery in Argentina.

Valentina Fernandez poses for a picture holding an image of Pope Francis after a Mass to pray for his health at Constitution Square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 24,

A woman holds religious images during a Mass to pray for Pope Francis' health at Constitucion square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Walter Espindola wears a shirt with the image of Pope Francis upon arriving at a Mass to pray for his health at Constitucion square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb.

Women kiss during a prayer for Pope Francis' health at Constitucion square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Catholic faithful in Argentina have been praying for Pope Francis' recovery. The pontiff, 88, who is from Argentina, remained in a critical condition on Sunday after he suffered a prolonged

The Pope is receiving gas to help him breathe and is said to be in "good spirits" following the latest crisis.

Pope Francis is continuing to improve from a bout of double pneumonia, the Vatican said Thursday evening. The 88-year-old pontiff had progressed from using a nasal tube for supplemental oxygen to alternating the tube with a mask that allowed for a more comfortable flow, according to a detailed update.

Doctors say the pope's health situation is complicated because he had part of his lung removed in his 20s. Currently, his medical team is managing a number of issues.