Cardinal to lead Rosary in St Peter's Square for Pope Francis' health

Evening in St Peter's Square. ICN/JS

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Francis had a restful tenth night in the hospital, according to a statement published this morning (Monday) by the Holy See Press Office.

"The night went well; the Pope slept and is resting," reads the statement.

The Pope is receiving treatment for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

On Sunday evening, the Holy See Press Office said his condition remains critical, though he has not experienced any respiratory crises since Saturday morning. Pope Francis received blood transfusions to bring up his hemoglobin levels.

"The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control," said the Sunday press statement, adding that "High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas."

Earlier on Sunday, the Pope attended Mass in his apartment in Gemelli Hospital with the doctors and nurses who are overseeing his treatment.

There will be the recitation of the Rosary for Pope Francis' health in St Peter's Square at 9pm this evening, led by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The Holy See Press Office stated: "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 9pm (local time; 8pm in Ireland and UK) to recite the Holy Rosary for the health of the Holy Father."

"Today's prayer will be led by His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin."

There has been a tremendous outpouring of prayer for Pope Francis' recovery from around the world, and in the Holy Father's Angelus address, which he chose to have published and distributed on Sunday, he thanked everyone for their prayers for him.

On Sunday afternoon, the Vicar General of Rome, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, celebrated a special Mass for the Pope's recovery at the Papal Basilica of St John Lateran in Rome, and the President of Italy's Episcopal Conference, Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, later that evening, led a Rosary at the Basilica of San Domenico in Bologna for the same intention.

The Rosary in St Peter's Square will be broadcast live on the Vatican News website: www.vaticannews.va/en.html and social media channels.