Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Many American priests and seminarians gathered with thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square, Rome, to pray for Pope Francis. The rosary was held at 9 p.m. local time on Monday, February 24.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin led the prayers, beginning with a reflection from the Acts of the Apostles: “Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the Church” (Acts 12:5).

Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14. His condition remains critical but stable.

Father Joseph Wahlmeier, a priest from the Diocese of Lincoln studying at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, participated in the gathering. He noted that "from the very beginning," the Church has always supported its pontiff through prayer during difficult times.

The group prayed the Joyful Mysteries under Mary's intercession as "Health of the Sick" and recited the Litany of Loretto for Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for over ten days due to his recent illness.

Father Wahlmeier emphasized that as this Jubilee Year is designated as a time to renew as Pilgrims of Hope, it serves as a reminder that "the pope himself is a pilgrim on this earth."

He referenced Acts 12, where God sent an angel to rescue Peter from prison and restore him to the Church. However, Peter later had to follow Christ's path to crucifixion in Rome.

"Whether or not Francis’s earthly pilgrimage is coming to its end," Father Wahlmeier stated, "all the faithful are invited to lift their hearts in prayer that he may receive the grace to persevere with Peter in shepherding the Lord’s flock."

As prayers concluded in St. Peter’s Square, cries of “Viva el Papa!” echoed among those present. Father Wahlmeier expressed hope that God grants life and health to Pope Francis during his earthly journey and eternal life thereafter.

Father Andrew Schwenka from Lincoln's Diocese is also studying in Rome at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Although he was engaged elsewhere on Monday evening, he plans to attend future prayer vigils for Pope Francis.

The nightly rosary will be broadcast live worldwide on EWTN television channels and digital platforms such as YouTube and EWTN's app.