By UCA News reporters
CATHOLICS – in various Asian nations have joined in prayer for the quick recovery of 88-year-old Pope Francis, who was hospitalized for respiratory ailments in Rome nearly a week ago.
Church leaders in the Philippines have called on Catholics to pray for the health of Pope Francis as he continues his treatment for a respiratory infection, says a report on CBCP News run by the national bishops’ conference.
The conference president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David urged Catholics to keep the pope in their prayers.
Archbishop Charles Brown, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, echoed the appeal, asking prayers for the pope’s speedy recovery and healing.
Brown appealed over Church-run Radio Veritas to “pray for his speedy recovery.”
In India, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath of Trichur, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), appealed to Catholics in every diocese to pray for the recovery of the ailing pope.
Archbishop Thazhath, referring to the Vatican’s Feb 19 announcement that the pontiff’s condition had worsened, said the pope was diagnosed with a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection.
“Recent tests reveal a complex clinical picture, requiring an extended hospital stay for the 88-year-old Pontiff in Rome,” said a CBCI statement.
On Feb 20, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) sought prayers for Pope Francis, who is presently receiving treatment at a hospital.
Ferrao, also Archbishop of Goa and Daman, fervently requested Catholics to pray so that “the Lord may strengthen him in faith and grant him total recovery from his illness so that he can get back to actively shepherd the Catholic Church.”
Priests, religious and the lay faithful of this Archdiocese are earnestly requested to pray for this intention, he added.
“As members of the universal Church, united in faith and charity, we are called to support our Holy Father with our prayers, asking the Lord to grant him strength, healing, and a swift recovery,” stated Auxiliary Bishop Savio Fernandes of Bombay.
“We earnestly request all parishes, religious communities, and families to offer special prayers for the Holy Father. Let us remember him in the Holy Eucharist, in our Rosaries, and personal and communal devotions,” it said.
Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil, head of the Eastern-rite Syro-Malabar Church, also urged people to pray for Pope Francis whose health condition caused concern.
“The Holy Father’s health condition is worrying. Therefore, I request all Syro-Malabar Catholics to pray for the Pope,” he said in a message on Feb 19.
Shiromi Rasmika, a Sri Lankan Catholic and a member of the Legion of Mary from Negombo, a Catholic stronghold, said local Catholics have been praying for the pope’s recovery from illness.
The Sunday school teacher fondly remembered her encounter with Francis when he visited Sri Lanka in 2015.
“We hold many fond memories of him from his visit,” Rasmika told UCA News.
Rasmika said she admires Francis for his efforts for an inclusive, participatory Church.
Catholics in Pakistani dioceses and parishes have been praying for Pope Francis, said Catholic priest Qaiser Feroz, executive secretary of the Pakistani bishops’ social communications commission.
The parish priest of St Joseph’s Church in Lahore has also scheduled a special prayer for the Holy Father on Feb. 22 morning at his church where he expects around 500 people.
“We need him to bring peace and hope in every possible way. His leadership is a real gift. We remain united for him in prayer,” Feroz told UCA News.
Indonesian bishops did not issue a common appeal for prayers for the pope, but prayers are being held in dioceses and parishes, said Catholic priest Paulus Christian Siswantoko, executive secretary of the Indonesian Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
In the Diocese of Surabaya, Bishop Agustinus Tri Budi Utomo invited all his congregations to pray for Pope Francis, through a special prayer distributed by the diocesan pastoral center.
The prayer is as follows: “We are grateful for the loving service of the Holy Father who has inspired many people in God’s mercy. We also ask that God guide the medical personnel who are treating him and grant him peace and healing.” – UCA News
