Pinoys in Vatican City pray for Pope Francis' recovery

Several Filipinos in Vatican City joined the vigil and prayed the holy rosary at the St. Peter's Basilica on Monday night for the recovery of Pope Francis, whose condition remains critical as he battles pneumonia in both lungs.

The Filipino community in Vatican City has also been attending Sunday Masses, giving special intention for the healing of Pope Francis, based on an Unang Balita report of GMA Integrated News stringer Pia Gonzales-Abucay.

The daily prayer service in St. Peter's Square starts at 9 p.m., Rome time., and would be led by cardinals and the collaborators of Roman Curia and the Diocese of Rome.

According to a Reuters report, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's number-two official, led the prayer service for the pope in St. Peter's Square on Monday evening. The service is set to be repeated daily.

Parolin prayed that the Virgin Mary would "sustain (Francis) in this moment of sickness and trial, and help him recover his health soon".

As of Monday, the Vatican said Pope Francis was still critically ill as he battles double pneumonia, but his condition has shown a “slight improvement.”

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The pope was reportedly still receiving oxygen, "although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen percentage". The Vatican also said in its latest health update that the "mild kidney insufficiency," which was first reported on Sunday, was “not a cause for concern.”

Also on Monday, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. expressed solidarity with the rest of the world in praying for the recovery and wellness of Pope Francis.

''Nakakalungkot na marinig ang malubhang karamdaman ni Pope Francis. Sa mga sandaling ito, kaisa tayo ng buong mundo sa panalangin para sa kanyang kalakasan at paggaling,'' Marcos said.

(It's so sad to hear that Pope Francis has been critically ill. In these times, we are one with other countries in praying for his recovery.)

''Nawa’y patuloy siyang patnubayan at palakasin ng Panginoon upang magpatuloy sa kanyang misyon ng pananampalataya at pagmamahal sa sangkatauhan,'' he added.

(We hope that God would continue to give him strength so that he could continue his mission of faith and love for the public.)

The 88-year-old pontiff has been confined at Rome's Gemelli hospital since February 14. — Giselle Ombay/RSJ, GMA Integrated News