People attend a Mass to pray for Pope Francis' health in Constitution square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. —The Associated Press About this program Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises.

A woman holds religious images during a Mass to pray for Pope Francis' health at Constitucion square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Argentines pray for Pope Francis' health at Buenos Aires cathedral Mass

COMMENTARY: ‘Hope,’ which is not what it claims to be and is less than it ought to be, nevertheless gives glimpses into how life in Buenos Aires shaped Jorge Bergoglio.

Valentina Fernandez poses for a picture holding an image of Pope Francis after a Mass to pray for his health at Constitution Square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 24,

Women kiss during a prayer for Pope Francis' health at Constitucion square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Children listen to a coach during a swimming lesson with a painting of Pope Francis in the background, in San Jose natatorium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.

The changes Francis brought to the papacy were more than skin deep. He opened the church to the outside world in ways none of his predecessors had done before.

After showing a slight improvement in his overall condition, which doctors say remains critical, Pope Francis continues to rest as daily prayers and liturgies are being offered throughout the world for his recovery.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, aka Pope Francis, arrived to Ireland in January 1980, during the bleak Haughey-era economic recession. He lived in Dublin trying to improve his English and study at the College of Philosophy in Milltown.