Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown asked the faithful to pray for the fast recovery of Pope Francis, who is hospitalized due to respiratory infection.
In a video message, Brown encouraged the faithful “to pray in a special way during this Holy Week” for the pontiff’s health.
“I’ve just received word that he has just been taken to the hospital. God willing there’s nothing too serious but we need to pray for Pope Francis,” said Brown.
“This is the tenth time that the pope will celebrate Easter in Rome as our Holy Father. I ask you, please, during this special time, to pray for Pope Francis, to pray for his good health and his speedy recovery,” he added.
Father Greg Gaston, rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome, also echoed the same appeal.
“Let us pray for Pope Francis as he undergoes treatment at the Gemelli Hospital here in Rome for respiratory infections (not Covid),” said Gaston during an interview with Church-run Radyo Veritas.
“He thanks us all for our prayers and closeness with him in spirit.” he added.
The Vatican announced on Wednesday, March 29, that Pope Francis will be staying in the hospital for several days.
“In recent days Pope Francis has complained of some respiratory difficulties and in the afternoon went to the Policlinico A. Gemelli in Rome to undergo some medical check-ups,” it said.
“The results show a respiratory infection (Covid 19 infection excluded) that will require a few days of appropriate hospital medical treatment,” it added.