Many grew up Catholic in Argentina like Francis, and their prayers encompass gratitude for his outreach – several met him in person – as well as hope that the door he opened toward a doubly marginalized community will not be shut in the future.

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,

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.

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.

The Vatican says Pope Francis remains in critical condition and blood tests show early kidney failure but he remains alert and “well-oriented.” Prayers for him poured in from around the world, from his native Argentina to the seat of Sunni Islam in Cairo to schoolchildren in Rome.

A plane used to hurl people to their deaths during Argentina's military dictatorship was found in Florida decades later.

Argentines have long waited for Pope Francis to visit the homeland he left in 2013 to become the head of the Roman Catholic Church. With his health delicate as he battles double pneumonia, the return seems increasingly unlikely now to happen.

ROME — Pope Francis remained in critical condition and resting Wednesday, as Argentines and Romans alike gathered in the Eternal City to pray for his recovery from double pneumonia. The Vatican’s short morning update said: “The pope had a peaceful night and is resting.”

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.

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

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.”