Philippine Bishops ask for prayers for Pope Francis

Feb 19, 2025

By Mark Saludes
CBCP president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David issued an appeal on Wednesday, urging Catholics to pray for the Holy Father’s healing and recovery.

“Pope Francis is currently hospitalized and is undergoing treatment for pneumonia. Despite his condition, doctors say he remains in good spirits and has expressed gratitude for the prayers he has received,” the prelate said.

“The Vatican has canceled all of his engagements as he battles this complex respiratory infection,” he added. “May I ask for your prayers for his healing and recovery during this challenging time.”

On Tuesday evening, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that Pope Francis has developed bilateral pneumonia, adding that while his condition remains serious, he is in good spirits.

“Laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and the clinical condition of the Holy Father continue to present a complex picture,” the statement read.

The Vatican said the Pope’s “polymicrobial infection, which has arisen in the context of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, and has required the use of corticosteroid and antibiotics, makes the therapeutic treatment more complex.”

A follow-up CT scan conducted on Tuesday afternoon confirmed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional pharmacological therapy.

Despite his health challenges, the Vatican reassured that the Pope has been able to maintain his spiritual routines.

“Pope Francis remains in good spirits,” the press release said. “He received the Eucharist and, throughout the day, alternated between rest, prayer, and reading. He expresses his gratitude for the support he feels at this time and kindly asks that prayers for him continue.”

The 87-year-old pontiff was hospitalized last Friday at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome after experiencing respiratory difficulties. As a precaution, all of his scheduled engagements have been suspended.--licas.news