Vatican City, February 25 (HS): Thousands of people, concerned about the condition of Pope Francis, who is facing a serious problem of lung infection, prayed for his speedy recovery in St. Peter's Square. The 88-year-old Pope has been hospitalized for 11 days. After Pope Francis, Parolin holds the second position in the Vatican.

Parolin led the 45-minute prayer in the Vatican amid cold and chill. During the prayer, people wished for the speedy recovery of Pope Francis. The Vatican said that the Cardinal chanted the Holy Rosary along with his colleagues, repeating the holy sentiments of God. The Vatican has described the Pope's condition as better in the health bulletin released on Monday evening. In the prayer meeting, Robert Pietro of Romania said that it is sad to see him (Pope Francis) in pain.

According to a press release from Pope Francis' office, Reverend Ricardo Batocchio, priest of the Diocese of Padua, Italy, has been appointed Bishop of Vittorio Veneto, Italy. He was till now the Rector of Almo Collegio Capranica in Rome. Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Camillo Sibotti of the Diocese of Isernia-Venafro, Italy, as the Bishop of the Diocese of Trivento, Italy. Apart from this, San Cristobal de La Laguna will be the new Bishop of Tenerife, Spain. Bishop Joaquim Giovanni Moll Guimaraes has been appointed as the Co-Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Santos, Brazil.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar