'He's a strong man': In pope's homeland Argentina, prayers for his health but little worry

FILE PHOTO: Catholic faithfuls pray during a mass at the Basilica San Jose de Flores, where Pope Francis used to attend in his childhood, in Buenos Aires, Argentina March 6, 2023. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - In Pope Francis' homeland of Argentina his hospitalization with a respiratory infection has led to an outpouring of prayer for the 86-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, though most remained confident he would soon fully recover.

The Vatican on Thursday said Pope Francis' health was improving and that he has resumed working while treatment continues. In a sign he may be back on his feet, it said he had prayed in a small chapel within his hospital suite.