As Catholics in Chicago and around the world gathered for Sunday Mass, many had one specific intention on their minds: the health of Pope Francis. The Vatican shared that the Pope remains conscious but is still relying on high flows of supplemental oxygen after a "prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis," according to a statement obtained by NBC Chicago. The update came following a restful night at the Gemelli Hospital, where the 88-year-old pontiff is battling a complex lung infection.
Against the backdrop of concern, during Saturday evening Mass at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, parishioners offered petitions for the Pope’s recovery. "We prayed for him, and for his health, and for God’s will to be done over him,” visitor Claudia Gibson told WGN-TV. Archbishop Rino Fisichella also included a special prayer for Francis while celebrating Mass at the Vatican in his absence, and conveyed the Pope's message of continued treatment, adding that rest is part of his therapy.
Despite his acute health challenges, Pope Francis reached out to thank his supporters. “I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” the Pope expressed via his X feed early Sunday. This statement found echoed support from church members like Laurie Oken, who remains optimistic about the Pope’s recovery, saying, "He’s a fighter. My friend and I were texting (Saturday) morning and (Friday), and of course he’s going to come through this with a winning battle," as she told WGN-TV.
I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) February 23, 2025
However, the Pope's health is a touch-and-go issue, emphasized by medical experts, given he had a part of one lung removed in his youth and now faces critical conditions that include lowered blood platelet counts—a revelation adding to the concern for his well-being. Cardinal Blase Cupich also rallied for prayers, urging that "We ask our Merciful Lord to restore Pope Francis to good health and to keep him free from pain as he receives treatment," according to WGN-TV.
While speculation has swirled about the Pope's potential resignation, the Vatican hierarchy moved to stamp down such rumors. Cardinal Pietro Parolin gave a rare interview to emphasize the focus remains solidly on the Pope's recovery and not on resignation speculation. Pope Francis himself has previously stated he’s prepared a letter of resignation to be invoked if he were medically incapacitated to make such a decision, as NBC Chicago reported. The pontiff’s health ordeal comes at a solemn time, coinciding with the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which he marked as a "painful and shameful occasion for the whole of humanity."
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