Our community is living these days of apprehension in prayer,” said Father Fernando Laguna. “It’s the only way we can be close to the pope. It’s our way of sending him a big kiss and hug.”

ROME — Pope Francis was a frequent visitor to Rome long before he became pope, and over time found his favorite shops and artisans who are now pulling for him as he battles double pneumonia. “The pope is by now a friend, a beloved person for me, not a customer,” said Francis’ optician, Alessandro Spiezia. “I am praying for his recovery.”

Hundreds of Argentines attended a special mass Monday for their countryman Pope Francis, hospitalized in a critical condition with pneumonia in Rome. They gathered on the same square in Buenos Aires where as archbishop,

The Vatican says Pope Francis is in critical condition after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has visited Pope Francis in the hospital and says he’s “alert and responsive” and full of good humor despite his pneumonia.

According to the Vatican, Pope Francis, 88, was still in critical condition Sunday but “remains alert and well-oriented” and took part in Mass on Sunday morning. The Vatican said “some

After showing a slight improvement in his overall condition, which doctors say remains critical, Pope Francis continues to rest as daily prayers and liturgies are being offered throughout the world for his recovery.

BUENOS AIRES (AP) — “Francis, the city prays for you.” Those were the words projected onto Buenos Aires' most iconic monument, the Obelisco, over the weekend as Catholics from across Argentina flocked to churches to pray for the recovery of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope in history.

The pope has spent nine nights at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, receiving treatment for pneumonia and other health complications. He is "alert and well-oriented" and attended Mass on the 10th floor of the hospital today, the Holy See Press Office said.

The kidney ailment appears to be in an early stage, the Vatican said, adding that the pontiff is still receiving high flows of oxygen for his respiratory illness.

Hundreds of Argentines attended a special mass yesterday for their countryman Pope Francis, hospitalised in a critical condition with pneumonia