Flowers and messages for Pope Francis are left on Saturday outside Gemeli Hospital in Rome (2nd photo), where he remains confined since Feb. 14 after he became ill of pneumonia, on top of his chronic bronchitis and multiple infections. His doctors said Francis, 88, may need to be confined until next week but his condition is not life-threatening. In Argentina’s capital of Buenos Aires, a digital image of Francis is shown on Friday on the iconic Obelisco (1st photo), while at the historic Manila Cathedral in the Philippines, the Catholic faithful attend a prayer vigil (above) for the Pope’s recovery. —REUTERS AND NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MEDICAL CARE, FOOD WITHIN REACH
Nutritionist Khristine Llave (1st photo) advises a visitor at an event offering free health services in Barangay Loyola Heights, Quezon City, on the best food portioning based on the walk-in patient’s on-site medical checkup. The “PuroKalusugan” free medical services, including cancer screening, were introduced that Friday by the Department of Health and the Quezon City government to mark Philippine Heart Month and National Cancer Awareness Month this February. At the University of the Philippines (UP) campus earlier on Thursday, the College of Social Work and Community Development opened a canteen (2nd photo) offering healthy, affordable meals to students and campus staff who don’t have enough money to pay for the food. Bing Conception, one of two community partners behind the “Eat UP:Living Laboratory and Inclusive Cafeteria” project, said the meals will soon be given free through “tap cards” to be distributed to UP’s “food insecure” —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
