MANILA, Philippines – Filipino bishops urged prayers for Pope Francis’ recovery on Wednesday, February 19, as the 88-year-old pontiff remains in the hospital due to a respiratory infection involving double pneumonia.
In a statement, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula echoed an appeal by the apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown, “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,” Advincula said.
“Let us unite ourselves in prayer in this trying time for the Church,” he added.
Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, also sought prayers for the pontiff known in the Philippines as “Lolo Kiko.” Lolo is the Filipino word for grandfather.
“May I ask for your prayers for his healing and recovery during this challenging time,” said David.
Francis has double pneumonia, the Vatican said on Tuesday, February 18, complicating treatment for the Pope who was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday, February 14.
Double pneumonia is a serious infection that can inflame and scar both lungs and makes breathing more difficult.
The Vatican had said previously that the Pope had a polymicrobial infection, which occurs when two or more microorganisms are involved, adding that he would stay in hospital as long as necessary to tackle a “complex clinical situation.”
A Vatican official, who did not wish to be named because he was not authorized to speak about the Pope’s condition, said on Wednesday that Francis was not on a ventilator and was breathing on his own.
The official said the Pope had been able to get out of bed and sit in an armchair in his hospital room, and was continuing to do some work.
The Pope has been plagued by ill health in recent years, including regular bouts of flu, sciatica nerve pain, and an abdominal hernia that required surgery in 2023. As a young adult he developed pleurisy, or inflammation of the lining of the lungs, and had part of one lung removed. – with reports from Reuters/Rappler.com