In Argentina, where Pope Francis once served as a bishop, concern is especially high, even though he hasn’t returned to his country since his ascent into the papacy in 2013.

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,

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.

If the news concerning Pope Francis’s health problems is concerning Catholics all over the globe, in Argentina it is especially troubling.

Faithful in the poor neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, where Pope Francis conducted mass before becoming the pontiff, started a series of masses praying for his recovery. (AP Video by Victor

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 asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection,

People across Latin America prayed for Pope Francis, the first leader of the Catholic Church to come from the region, as the Vatican reported on Saturday the Argentina-born pontiff was in critical condition in a Rome hospital.

Following the news of Jorge Bergoglio's health, churches across the country are joining in prayer. In this video we visit the most emblematic places in his hometown. Argentine faithful share prayers and reflect on the importance of having an Argentine Pope.

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.

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