The expatriate community is small but shares a special bond with Francis, who has been in the hospital since Feb. 14.

Pope Francis, 88, has been in a critical condition due to a lung infection. His two weeks in Rome's Gemelli hospital is the longest stay of his papacy and underscores his frailty. Francis has made more than 45 international trips during his papacy,

A group of Argentinian nationals, accompanied by their ambassador, prayed for the health of Pope Francis under the windows of his suite at the Gemelli hospital in Rome on Tuesday.

The pope "rested well" and woke shortly after 8 a.m. this morning, his 20th day in hospital, as his condition remains stable and his prognosis remains reserved.

ROME (TNND) — Vatican officials said Pope Francis is resting on this Ash Wednesday, the start of the solemn Lenten period. The 88-year-old pontiff slept through the night at Rome's Gemelli hospital, according to a statement provided by the Vatican.

After experiencing repeated bouts of respiratory insufficiency in recent days, Pope Francis spent the night without further complications, the Vatican said on Wednesday. "Pope Francis rested well overnight and woke up slightly after 8 am this morning,