The Diocese of Balanga in Bataan will offer its holy masses and prayers for the health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
“The Diocese of Balanga heeds to the caring appeal of our beloved Holy Father for prayers for our dear Pope Emeritus Benedict for comfort and recovery from his illness,” said Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos.
“We will offer our holy masses that our Almighty God in His mercy and power sustain, support and console our Pope Emeritus Benedict. With our prayers and holy masses, we are one with him in spirit and in his suffering,” the bishop said.
Bishop Santos likewise offered the former pontiff’s condition to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“May our Blessed Mother take him in her maternal protection and embrace. God is with our Pope Emeritus Benedict. Amen,” the Church leader said.
At the end of the General Audience recently, Pope Francis asked for special prayers for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI “who is very ill,” said a report by the Vatican News. The Holy Father urged the faithful to say a "special prayer" for his 95-year-old predecessor.
“I would like to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who in silence is supporting the Church. Remember him - he is very ill - asking the Lord to console him, and sustain him in this witness of love for the Church, until the end,” Pope Francis said.
In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world by making the almost unprecedented decision to resign from his position, citing “advanced age.” His announcement marked the first time a pope had stepped down in nearly 600 years.