The Vatican has announced that cardinals will lead a nightly rosary in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’ recovery, with the first prayer service scheduled for 9 p.m. Rome time Feb. 24.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin will preside over the inaugural gathering, which will be broadcast live across EWTN’s television networks and digital platforms.
“Starting this evening, the cardinals residing in Rome, along with all collaborators of the Roman Curia and the Diocese of Rome, responding to the sentiments of the people of God, will gather in St. Peter’s Square at 9 p.m. to recite the holy rosary for the health of the Holy Father,” the Holy See Press Office said in a statement Feb. 24.
The prayer initiative comes as the 88-year-old pontiff continues his recovery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on Feb. 14 for what the Vatican then described as a mild flu condition.
During his Sunday Angelus message, which was read on his behalf, the pope expressed gratitude for the “closeness and prayers” he has received during his hospitalization.
The Vatican reported Feb. 24 that Pope Francis had a “peaceful night” at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he continues to receive medical treatment.
While Vatican sources said the pope was “in good spirits” and following his prescribed therapies, his condition remains critical, with the Holy Father receiving supplemental oxygen through nasal tubes and being monitored for mild early-stage kidney insufficiency.
The pope has been hospitalized since Feb. 14 and experienced a concerning respiratory episode Feb. 22 that required a blood transfusion due to anemia. The Vatican said both conditions are currently under control.
The rosary will be available on EWTN’s television channels worldwide and through the network’s digital platforms, including its mobile app and YouTube channel.
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