Two Negros bishops on Thursday, March 30, echoed the call for prayers for the immediate recovery of 86-year-old Pope Francis who has been hospitalized for treatment of a respiratory infection.
“We join the whole Church in praying for the Holy Father,” Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon said.
He called on the faithful in the Diocese of Bacolod to also pray for the Pope.
San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said “We assure our beloved Pope Francis of our prayers for his fast recovery.”
“Let us pray for Pope Francis as he undergoes treatment at the Gemelli Hospital here in Rome for respiratory infections (not Covid). He expresses his gratitude to all of us for our prayers and closeness with him in spirit,” Fr. Greg Gaston, rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome, said in a message sent to Church-run Radio Veritas on Thursday.
The Vatican clarified that although he has been experiencing breathing difficulties, Pope Francis’ illness is not caused by the coronavirus disease 2019.
“At a young age, even before he became a priest, the Holy Pope had one of his lungs removed due to a lung infection because he was susceptible to disease. In the Vatican statement, the Holy Pope extends his gratitude to all those who prayed for his speedy recovery,” Holy See spokesperson Matteo Bruni said.
“Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer”, he added.*with a report from PNA