The Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) calls for prayers as Pope Francis continues his recovery from double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on March 23, 2025, after a critical five-week battle with the respiratory illness.
ACN Staff praying for Pope Francis at the headquarters of ACN International in Königstein im Taunus, Germany on February 25, 2025
A statement from ACN International reads: “After five weeks of hospitalization, the Holy Father left Gemelli Hospital on March 23rd. Despite his fatigue, he blessed the faithful during the Angelus, a sign of faith and hope. However, his recovery will be long, and the Church needs him now more than ever”
“Brothers and sisters, let us carry him in our prayers! May the Lord grant him the strength to continue his mission and sustain His servant through this trial. The Church is a family: let us unite our voices and lift our hearts for our Holy Father”
According to Vatican News, Pope Francis is currently under 24-hour medical supervision at the Vatican, where doctors have prescribed a two-month recovery period.
The Pope made a brief public appearance upon his discharge, stopping at St. Mary Major basilica to offer prayers before returning to the Vatican. Despite his visibly frail condition, he managed to wave and give a thumbs-up to supporters.
Across all its 24 National offices around the world, ACN is encouraging Catholics to offer daily prayers for the Pope’s complete recovery. Prayer has an important place in ACN’s mission as a pontifical foundation which supports persecuted Christians worldwide through prayer, information and action.
