Hundreds of Argentinians gathered on Monday for a special mass in Buenos Aires to pray for Pope Francis, who is currently hospitalized in Rome in critical condition with pneumonia. The mass was held in the same square where Jorge Bergoglio, before becoming pope, used to give sermons as archbishop of Buenos Aires, often speaking out against inequality and injustice.
Waving Argentine flags and holding placards wishing the pope a speedy recovery, the faithful came together to pray, sing hymns, partake in the Eucharist, and chant “Viva el Papa Francisco” (Long Live Pope Francis). The atmosphere was one of deep solidarity and affection for their countryman, who was once a beloved local figure.
Jorge Garcia Cuerva, the current Archbishop of Buenos Aires, led the sermon, saying, “May our prayer be the breath of fresh air that reaches his lungs,” referring to Pope Francis’s ongoing battle with pneumonia.
Among the crowd, well-wisher Mariana Martinez, 49, shared her emotional connection to Bergoglio, recounting her first encounter with him years ago on the subway in Buenos Aires. “He was the first priest I came across on a subway, and seeing him close, with the people, I always liked. That is why he is my mentor, he is my father, and he is my priest,” she said.
Pope Francis, 88, was diagnosed with pneumonia in both of his lungs. The Vatican confirmed on Monday that while he remains in critical condition, there has been a slight improvement in his health. The prayers of the faithful in Buenos Aires, along with many others around the world, continue as they hope for his swift recovery.
