Viterbo plans special mass for Pope Francis

Viterbo University holds a special mass on Friday to pray for the health of Pope Francis.

He’s been in a hospital in Rome since February 14 battling respiratory and kidney issues.

According to the Associated Press, the 88-year-old pope, doctors said Thursday, needed more days of “clinical stability” before revising their guarded prognosis and say he’s out of danger.

He’s shown steady yet slight improvements since last weekend when those medical issues led to fears of his passing.

On Thursday, the Vatican said he had gone to the chapel located down the hall in the papal suite on the 10th floor of the hospital to pray.

In a Facebook post on the Viterbo University page, it said that the campus can come to the San Damiano Chapel at noon for the mass.

For those who are unable to attend or who prefer solitary prayer, the university suggests a moment of silent prayer at noon.

The time, the post noted, signifies the twelfth year of his pontificate.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.