Church entrusts Pope Francis to Mary’s powerful prayer (Photos)

Cardinal Parolin noted:

“Since Pope Francis was hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic, an intense prayer has been rising for him, from individual faithful and Christian communities around the world,” Cardinal Parolin explained in a short and sober introductory note.

The Pope's secretary of state entrusted him to “the powerful intercession of Mary, so that she may support him in this moment of illness and trial, and help him to regain his health soon.”

Also on Monday, the Gemelli hospital announced increased opportunities for communal prayer for Pope Francis.

Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the Pope's vicar for the Diocese of Rome released a statement expressing the Italian bishops' solidarity with Pope Francis and encouraging everyone to pray for him.

Following this invitation to communal prayer, the community of the Gemelli University Hospital and the Roman branch of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart expressed “even stronger support and solidarity with His Holiness Pope Francis during this time of trial and suffering” through various moments of prayer.

Starting Monday, February 24, and for the entirety of Pope Francis’ recovery in the Gemelli Hospital, there will be an hour of Eucharistic Adoration every day from noon until 1 p.m. at the St. John Paul II Chapel in the hospital, followed by Mass.

Later, at 4:30 p.m. Rome time, the Rosary will be recited in front of the statue of St. John Paul II in the square outside the hospital, and Mass will follow at 5 p.m. in the Hospital Hall.

The faithful around the world are invited to pray:

The relatively relaxed atmosphere at the Rosary vigil echoed the reassuring news at the end of the day on Monday about the state of health of the 88-year-old pontiff. Among the 27 cardinals present was Cardinal Burke and Cardinal Becciu.

The crowd also included many priests, monks, nuns, and faithful from the Diocese of Rome, as well as pilgrims and visitors passing through.

Jean-Bernard, originally from Toulouse, came to Rome with his family to watch the Six Nations Championship match between France and Italy, and took advantage of his presence in the Italian capital to participate in this prayer vigil for Pope Francis.

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Gianluca, a young Italian from the Naples region, says he is moved to participate in this "very touching" moment. He remembers the Pope's visit to his city in 2015, during which the Pontiff was welcomed “with great faith and fervor.” He recalls that the Latin American culture of the Pope, who, like Maradona, was originally from Argentina, blended well with the Neapolitan atmosphere.

“This vigil was very sober and very beautiful, and could reach everyone, regardless of their level of attachment to the Pope,” emphasizes Maguelonne, passing through Rome, who stresses that ”the Pope is misunderstood or too quickly judged in France. But as Catholics, we must see him as a father. I have great admiration for his very courageous words for young people, for the defense of life. His reflections on holiness, love and joy are very relevant, in line with the teachings of the Church."

Marie-Lys, a young French woman serving in Rome with the Chemin Neuf Community, joined the vigil: "Here in Rome, he is our bishop, a true father. We are concerned if he is unwell, and it is very comforting to feel that the world is praying for him. The fact that this is happening in the middle of the Holy Year will bring blessings and very beautiful things to come."

Follow the updates on the Pope's health here.