Rome
CNN
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A crowd has congregated outside Gemelli Hospital to express their support for Pope Francis. Simona Pettinato stated, “Prayer has the power to move mountains.” She emphasized the importance of faith while awaiting news on the pontiff, who has been hospitalized for pneumonia since February 14.

Faith remains a source of comfort for residents of Rome and the Vatican as they anxiously await updates on Pope Francis’ condition. The Vatican has characterized his health as “complex,” and although there are indications of slight improvement, the overall prognosis is still considered “reserved,” and his status remains “critical” at least until Tuesday.

This marks Francis’ longest hospital stay since his election as pope in 2013, with church officials remaining vigilant for updates around the clock on the health of the renowned pontiff.

Journalists and Vatican officials monitor their emails closely for the twice-daily health updates. The morning brief is a concise report outlining the previous night’s developments, occasionally mentioning whether the pope had breakfast. Later in the day, a comprehensive medical statement is issued.

Reporters anxiously await these updates either at the press office in the Holy See near St. Peter’s Square or at Gemelli Hospital, which is just a 25-minute drive from the Vatican.

The medical team responsible for Pope Francis—headed by Dr. Luigi Carbone from the Vatican health service and surgeon Sergio Alfieri—has provided media updates. Reassuring information is sometimes followed by alarming news, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty among those following the pope’s condition.

Currently residing on the 10th floor of the hospital in a specially designated suite—including a chapel—the pope has been engaging in limited work activities with the assistance of his two personal secretaries and has even made calls to the Catholic community in Gaza.

Below, in the hospital plaza, a large statue of John Paul II, who frequently visited the same institution, stands tall. This area has transformed into a makeshift shrine, adorned with flowers, candles, and balloons dedicated to Pope Francis, as spectators display banners that read, “Today, more than ever, we need you, Francesco.”

Another visitor at Gemelli, Alfonso La Femmina, shared with CNN that he is holding onto hope and praying for divine intervention, “that God may help.”

“Hearing each morning and evening that he has had a restful night brings me some comfort,” he noted. “Even when the reports indicate little improvement, I continue to pray for his swift recovery.”

Gathering beneath the somber February skies in St. Peter’s Square, cardinals, bishops, nuns, and countless worshippers have united since Monday evening to recite the rosary for the ailing pontiff. This scene echoes the praying vigil held for Pope John Paul II during his critical illness in 2005.

Pope Francis enjoys significant popularity, drawing both pilgrims and tourists to the Vatican during the Holy Jubilee year amid health concerns.

Richardo Martinez, a Spanish tourist, expressed, “We felt compelled to visit because this concerns all Christians.” He noted the ongoing coverage of the pope’s health back in Spain and emphasized the importance of being present to pray for his recovery.

Father Carlos, another visitor from Spain, shared, “We await medical updates and will continue our prayers for his swift recovery.”

During a homily at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Cardinal Timothy Dolan from New York voiced his concern, stating that the pope is “probably close to death.”

In a memo circulated among New York priests, the cardinal’s vicar general mentioned that the pope is nearing “the end of his earthly journey,” suggesting how they should proceed. However, there is no evidence of any insider knowledge about Francis’s health status.

Pope Francis, known for his conciliatory approach, has garnered prayers from diverse groups; from the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Egypt to interfaith services at a Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

However, as Francis himself noted, a pope’s illness often stirs anticipation for a conclave, and the Vatican currently feels as if it is preparing for such an event.

The intrigue surrounding a potential papal election has been amplified by the recent popularity of the film “Conclave”, which is nominated for several Oscars on March 2. The atmosphere of impending change is further heightened by the evening prayer services in the square, each led by different cardinals, with Dean Giovanni Battista Re set to preside on Wednesday.

Nevertheless, one should not dismiss Pope Francis just yet. Though his physical condition is delicate, his spirit and determination remain strong, signaling his intent to persevere.

Elisabetta Pique, a biographer of the pope and a reporter for La Nación in Argentina, described him as exceptionally spiritual, yet also “determined,” “stubborn,” and deeply mission-driven.

Having been trained as a Jesuit, Pope Francis comes from an order renowned for undertaking missionary endeavors even in adverse situations. He had been maintaining an industrious schedule right until his hospitalization, with fellow Jesuit Antonio Spadaro asserting that Francis’ attitude is to “work until he can no longer do so.”

From his hospital suite, the pope continues to assert his authority. Recently, he held a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, indicating plans for a consistory—an assembly with cardinals to deliberate on matters of sainthood—though no date has been specified. Notably, it was during a consistory in February 2013 that Benedict XVI announced his resignation.

Seems aware of the Vatican’s reputation for a lack of transparency regarding papal health issues, he has proactively provided detailed daily reports about his well-being. Before receiving visitors from the Vatican, he met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who subsequently informed the public that the pope was “alert” and humorously engaging, even in a critical state. This reflects Francis’ keen political awareness.

However, extended hospitalization has raised questions regarding the possibility of a papal resignation. In a letter penned in 2013, Francis made provisions for a potential incapacitation, similar to measures taken by several of his predecessors, leading some to speculate about his ability to continue serving if a long-term medical condition hinders his governance of the Church.

A master of surprise, Pope Francis might not have disclosed his intentions to anyone. Thus, the world waits, with a term describing these tumultuous days in Rome capturing the sentiment perfectly: “montagne russe” – a rollercoaster of emotions.