Hundreds Gather at Cathedral to Pray for Pope Francis Amid Double Pneumonia Battle

Hundreds of Catholics gathered on Sunday, February 23, at New York City’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral to pray for Pope Francis, who remains in critical condition after being diagnosed with double pneumonia.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, shared a message from the pontiff and the Vatican, assuring the congregation that the pope was “resting comfortably.” He also reminded the concerned worshippers that Pope Francis has a history of overcoming health challenges to continue leading the Catholic Church.

“He keeps the grit and determination, the resilience, and he’s really taught us… the transformative redemptive value of suffering,” Dolan said.

“Today at least they say he’s resting comfortably, it’s kind of good to know that he’s not suffering,” he added.

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after experiencing difficulty breathing for several days. Doctors diagnosed him with pneumonia in both lungs.

The Vatican described his condition as critical for the first time on Saturday, February 22, revealing that the pontiff required supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions following a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis.”

Barbara Zucker, an 87-year-old New York resident and philanthropist, shared that she came to St. Patrick’s Cathedral to pray for the pope. She was joined by her Jewish husband, Donald, in showing support for Pope Francis during this critical time.

“I just don’t want to lose him because he’s been very special,” Zucker told The Post.

“I’m hoping that when they do have a conclave because he’s pretty sick, that they’ll have somebody as good as him, and maybe better. He cares about everyone,” she said of the ailing pontiff.

Dawn Cortese, a 56-year-old resident of Bergen County, New Jersey, explained that she traveled to Manhattan with a friend to express solidarity with Pope Francis. She described him as the best representative of the Catholic Church, highlighting her admiration for his leadership and values.

“I just hope that he recovers and that he’s not in any pain, and I’m praying for him,” she said.