Catholics in Buenos Aires attended Mass on Sunday to pray for Pope Francis' recovery. (Video by Cristian Kovadloff)

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

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.

A man stands in front of a mural of Pope Francis outside the stadium of San Lorenzo, his soccer team, in the Padre Ricciardelli neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. (Rodrigo Abd/AP) ROME — Pope Francis was sitting upright and receiving therapy for double pneumonia Wednesday,

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.

From Buenos Aires to Mexico City, Latin Americans expressed closeness to the Argentine pope as he battles double pneumonia for the second week in a hospital room in Rome.

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.

Pope Francis' health critical, battling double pneumonia, facing accusations from Argentina's 'Dirty War' era, and political controversies.

Concerns over Pope Francis' health have mounted in recent years as have questions about his succession. Here's what we know.

Doctors say the pope's health situation is complicated because he had part of his lung removed in his 20s. Currently, his medical team is managing a number of issues.