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.

Argentines pray for Pope Francis' health at Buenos Aires cathedral Mass

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,

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.

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,

POPE FRANCIS, WHO has been battling pneumonia in both lungs, slept well and is now resting, the Vatican said this morning in an update. The Vatican has been providing updates twice a day on the health of the 88-year-old pontiff,

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.”

Francis is continuing his therapy for bronchitis and pneumonia, but the Vatican provided no indication of when he might be released from the hospital.

Francis was hospitalized Feb. 14 after struggling to speak and breathe during public appearances for more than a week.

At a Mass in the cathedral of Buenos Aires on Sunday, numerous worshippers prayed for the ailing Pope Francis, who was born in the Argentinian capital. In front of the church where the pope used to work,