Catholics from across Argentina have flocked to churches to pray for the recovery of native son Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope in history.

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.”

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,