Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna is calling on the city’s residents to join worldwide prayers for the immediate recovery of Pope Francis.
Lacuna made the call this in support of an appeal earlier made by Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for prayers so that Pope Francis may continue discharging his purpose with wisdom and determination as the leader of the Catholic faithful all over the world.
The Pope was brought to a hospital on February 14, 2025 due to bronchitis.
The Holy See Press Office has reported that the condition of the 88-year-old Pope presents “a complex picture” and tests reveal that he has bilateral pneumonia that requires additional treatment.
The Pope, it said, continues to undergo examination at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic alongside treatment.
Initial results of previous tests reportedly indicated that his condition is improving. Just the same, the Pope will still undergo a series of diagnostic tests to ensure that his health will be restored to normal conditions.
In a statement, Advincula said: “In union with the whole Church, let us pray fervently for the healing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Archbishop Charles John Brown, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, has made an appeal to pray for the speedy recovery of the Holy Father as well as for all the doctors and nurses who are taking care of him.”
“In response to this call, I would like to request our parishes and communities to organize community prayers for the intention of Pope Francis, like gathering our people for a Holy Hour for the Healing of the Sick, especially of the Pope. Let us likewise offer our personal and family prayers for this intention.:et us unite ourselves in prayer in this trying time for the Church,” Advincula said.
