Boston Catholics joined millions around the world in praying for Pope Francis this Sunday as his health took another turn for the worse.

“Hopefully he can recover soon,” said parishioner Ritchie DeYoung after 11:30 a.m. mass at Cathedral of the Holy Cross in the South End. … “We join here as a community, and hopefully all our prayers will come together and reach the pope.”

The Vatican said Sunday that Pope Francis was in “critical condition” and blood tests showed initial, mild kidney failure. The pope has not has any more respiratory crises since Saturday night, the Vatican said, and remains alert and responsive and attended mass.

In the Archdiocese of Boston, Father Kevin O’Leary said many people have been calling in with prayers for the pope.

“They’re disturbed by it, and they don’t want to see him suffer either,” said O’Leary, standing among the congregation getting coffee and donuts after mass Sunday.

O’Leary, among many in the crowd, praised Pope Francis’s work and leadership.

“This priest said to me, the people will sanctify you, your relationship with the people in the parish,” said O’Leary. “And I think he really heard the voices of people over years, and he really took it to heart and responded to people where they were, and that was important to him.”

The church-goers remarked on what the pope has meant for the Catholic church over the last decade.

“I think that he has pulled a broader community together around Jesus and around Christianity and the church,” said Juan Duran, standing with his young son. “So it is very sad, because he meant a change and a broader understanding and a broader community, and his love was everywhere.”

One parishioner said the potential loss of Pope Francis could mean a significant change for the church.

“Francis really is a breath of fresh air,” said retired teacher John Hickey. “In terms of being progressive and more liberal and opening up people’s hearts and minds to the 21st century. So it’ll be very interesting to see when his time comes, which I hope it’s not yet, what the next chapter will be.”

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Sunday morning’s mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross featured prayers for the pope during the service.

“I think that should be done in every church to send prayers to God,” said Duran. “God knows more than us, if he needs him right now, but I hope he lets us enjoy his wisdom and his mentality and his guidance a little bit more.”

Juan Duran, with his son, also named Juan, shares his thoughts as parishioners pray for Pope Francis at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Sunday.(Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)
Msgr. Kevin O’Leary called for prayers for the Pope during mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Sunday. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)
Parishioner John Hickey shares his thoughts after Sunday’s Mass and prayers for Pope Francis at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Sunday.(Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)