Argentines pray for Pope Francis' health at Buenos Aires cathedral Mass

Faithful in the poor neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, where Pope Francis conducted mass before becoming the pontiff, started a series of masses praying for his recovery.

From Buenos Aires to Mexico City, Latin Americans expressed closeness to the Argentine pope as he battles double pneumonia for the second week in a hospital room in Rome.

COMMENTARY: ‘Hope,’ which is not what it claims to be and is less than it ought to be, nevertheless gives glimpses into how life in Buenos Aires shaped Jorge Bergoglio.

People attend a Mass to pray for Pope Francis' health in Constitution square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. —The Associated Press About this program Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises.

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.

Women kiss during a prayer for Pope Francis' health at Constitucion square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Children listen to a coach during a swimming lesson with a painting of Pope Francis in the background, in San Jose natatorium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.

Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia in hospital, suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency" on Monday (Mar 3) and required use of non-invasive, mechanical ventilation, the Vatican said.