Buenos Aires, Argentina — Silvina Oranges reports for Vatican News that thousands of Argentinians gathered in Plaza Constitución on Monday to pray for the health of Pope Francis, who remains hospitalized in Rome. The special Mass, presided over by Archbishop Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva, was held in the same square where Jorge Mario Bergoglio, as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, often spoke out against corruption, human trafficking, and social injustice.

"May our prayer be the breath of air that Pope Francis' lungs need. Do not slow down. We need you very much,” Archbishop García Cuerva said during his homily. His words resonated deeply with the faithful, who filled the square despite the city’s heavy rains earlier in the day.

A symbolic gathering in a historic place

The Mass was concelebrated by Buenos Aires' auxiliary bishops, Archbishop Gustavo Carrara of La Plata, and Cardinal Mario Poli, the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Several government officials, including Security Minister Waldo Wolff, also attended.

Plaza Constitución holds great significance in Argentina’s capital, serving as a central commuting hub for workers from the Buenos Aires province. It was also a place where Bergoglio, before becoming Pope, held Masses to raise awareness about the struggles of the poor and marginalized.

Faithful unite in support of the Pope

The gathering drew widespread participation from various sectors of society. Members of "Casas de Cristo," a rehabilitation initiative for youth battling addiction, stood alongside workers, families, nuns, and labor organizations like Unión de Trabajadores de la Economía Popular (UTEP), whose banners read, “Land, Roof, Work”—a cause Pope Francis has long championed.

Volunteer firefighters from San Telmo and Flores arrived with their trucks, sounding their sirens at the end of the Mass as the crowd chanted, “Long live the Pope.” Many in attendance held Argentine flags, prayer cards of the Virgin of Luján, and lit candles, expressing solidarity with their fellow countryman in his time of need.

Defending Pope Francis against criticism

During his homily, Archbishop García Cuerva also addressed the criticism and misinformation Pope Francis has faced throughout his pontificate. He called on the faithful to reflect on the times they may have judged or misunderstood the Pope, urging them to stand by him in both prayer and support.

As the Pope enters his twelfth day of hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the voices from Buenos Aires echoed a message of faith and unity—one that many hope will reach the Pontiff himself.