Catholics from across Argentina have flocked to churches to pray for the recovery of native son Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope in history. “Francis, the city prays for

This decision was specifically approved by Pope Francis on Feb. 6, 2025,” stated an official communication released by the AICA news agency.

Recyclers march in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Friday, March 7, 2025, to show support for Pope Francis, who remains hospitalized in Rome. (AP Photo/)

In Latin America, Francis remains well-liked, though favorability has dropped, particularly in Argentina, where it fell from 98% in 2013 to 74% in 2024. Despite declines, he continues to be viewed as a transformative figure.

Pope Francis remained at the Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday night in Rome still requiring supplemental oxygen. At 88, Francis has lived for decades with only part of his lungs after a respiratory infection prompted surgery in Argentina.

Valentina Fernandez poses for a picture holding an image of Pope Francis after a Mass to pray for his health at Constitution Square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 24,

A woman holds religious images during a Mass to pray for Pope Francis' health at Constitucion square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Walter Espindola wears a shirt with the image of Pope Francis upon arriving at a Mass to pray for his health at Constitucion square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb.

Argentines have long waited for Pope Francis to visit the homeland he left in 2013 to become the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Argentines have longed for Pope Francis to visit his homeland after he left in 2013 to become head of the Roman Catholic Church.

This decision was specifically approved by Pope Francis on Feb. 6, 2025,” stated an official communication released by the AICA news agency.

Francis is continuing his therapy for bronchitis and pneumonia, but the Vatican provided no indication of when he might be released from the hospital.