Get well soon Papa!

Feb 28, 2025

VATICAN: Pope Francis, who has been receiving medical care at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14 for bilateral pneumonia and bronchitis, continues to inspire heartfelt messages and prayers from religious leaders, political figures, and communities across the world. Despite a difficult week that saw the Pope suffer a respiratory crisis and require a blood transfusion, his condition has been reported as stable, though still critical.

The 88-year-old pontiff's medical situation has drawn attention and concern globally, with messages of support flooding in from every corner of the globe. The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, wrote a heartfelt letter to the Pope, referring to him as his “beloved brother,” and wishing him a “swift and complete recovery” as well as a return to his important duties, “with God’s help.”

Similar expressions of solidarity have been shared by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who called on the faithful to unite in prayer for the Pope’s health. “As a spiritual family, we are called to stand together, united in prayer,” he wrote. Other religious leaders have also offered prayers, including Cardinal Béchara Boutros Pierre Raï, Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites, and the Symposium of Bishops’ Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), which has expressed “spiritual closeness” to the Pope and the global Catholic community.

The Holy Father’s homeland of Argentina has also joined the global chorus of support. Archbishop Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva of Buenos Aires urged the faithful to pray for Pope Francis’ recovery, calling on God to grant him strength and restore his health. In Latin America, prayers have poured in from dioceses across Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, and other countries. Cardinal Jaime Spengler, President of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), expressed hope for the Pope’s healing, encouraging Catholics to offer special prayers during Mass ahead of the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter.

In Canada, Bishop William McGrattan of Calgary led prayers for the Pope’s recovery, inviting families and communities to join in asking for renewed strength and health for the Pontiff. A similar call was made by the Bishops of the United States, who shared a special prayer on their website, reinforcing the worldwide support for Pope Francis.

The faithful in Asia have also joined in praying for the Pope, with Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of the Philippines urging prayers for his healing. In China, Catholics have rallied with fasting and prayer for the Pope’s recovery, keeping updated on his condition through xinde.org, a Chinese Catholic website. In Malaysia, several parishes held prayer vigils and offered special Mass for the Holy Father’s healing and recovery.

Alongside these religious leaders, political figures have expressed their concern and good wishes for Pope Francis. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the Pope in the hospital on February 19, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres spoke with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, to offer his support. Guterres emphasised the Pope’s importance not only to the Catholic Church but also to the entire world.

Amid the outpouring of support, Pope Francis has also received a special gesture of affection from the children of Rome. Over the weekend, dozens of schoolchildren sent get-well cards and hand-drawn illustrations to the Pope, some featuring touching messages of love and prayers for his swift recovery. One card read, “Dear Pope, I hope you get well soon so I can hug you. I love you so much,” accompanied by a drawing of the Pope reaching out to a young girl. Other illustrations included a 3D rendering of Pope Francis opening the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica and a drawing of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

The Vatican confirmed on February 23, that the Pope is “alert and well-oriented” despite his critical condition, and he continues to receive oxygen therapy. His medical team remains cautious, noting that his prognosis remains reserved due to the complexity of his situation. However, the Pope’s resilience is evident; he participated in Mass on Sunday with the medical staff at Gemelli Hospital, showing his unwavering dedication to his spiritual duties even in the midst of illness.

As Pope Francis remains in the hospital, he is surrounded by the prayers and love of millions of people across the world. His medical team has stated that his condition is not life-threatening, and while he is not out of danger yet, they remain hopeful for his recovery. In the meantime, the global community continues to hold him in their thoughts, sending messages of love and strength in hopes of his swift and full recovery. --Agencies