Prayers and Messages of Support for Pope Francis’ Health
As Pope Francis continues to be hospitalised at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, an outpouring of prayers and messages of support have been sent from around the world. Since his hospitalisation on February 14th for bilateral pneumonia, religious leaders, political figures, friends, and faithful followers have all expressed their well wishes for his recovery.
One particularly touching message came from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Costantinople, Bartholomew I, who addressed Pope Francis as his “beloved brother” and wished him a speedy and complete recovery in a handwritten letter. The Patriarch expressed hope that the Pope would soon return to his sacred duties with God’s help.
United in Prayer
Messages have also come from other religious leaders, including the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who called for the faithful to unite in prayer for Pope Francis’ health and well-being. In Lebanon, Cardinal Béchara Boutros Pierre Raï has publicly and privately prayed for the Pope’s healing.
The Symposium of Bishops’ Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has also expressed solidarity and spiritual closeness to Pope Francis during this time. In Argentina, Archbishop Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva has called for prayers for the Pope’s strength and health.
Global Support
Messages and prayers have poured in from Latin America, Canada, the United States, Asia, and beyond. World leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, have also sent their well wishes for the Pope’s recovery.
Despite the seriousness of his condition, Pope Francis’ medical team has reported that he had a restful night and is in good spirits. While he is not out of danger and will remain in hospital for at least another week, there is optimism that he is on the path to a full recovery.
As we continue to keep Pope Francis in our thoughts and prayers, let us unite in hope for his swift recovery and return to his important work as the leader of the Catholic Church.
