Italian bishops ask for prayers for ailing Pope Francis

Italy’s bishops have called upon the faithful of the country to pray for the 88-year-old Pope Francis after he was diagnosed with pneumonia.

“As we entrust the work of doctors and medical staff to the Lord, we embrace the Holy Father with affection,” the bishops wrote in a statement, adding that all church communities in Italy are invited to support him “in this moment of suffering in prayer.”

In Pope Francis’ homeland of Argentina, prayers for him are already taking place.

The leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide has been receiving treatment in hospital in Rome since Friday.

Doctors have diagnosed “bilateral pneumonia,” indicating that both the right and left lungs are affected. Previously, there was only mention of an infection caused by various pathogens.

The influential Patriarch of Venice, Francesco Moraglia, urged the faithful of his diocese in a separate letter to pray for the pope “at every opportunity.”

Referring to the his health condition, Moraglia spoke of a “delicate situation.” He stressed that Francis must feel the “closeness” of the faithful right now.

Francis has already expressed his gratitude in writing from the hospital for all the prayers and good wishes he had received for his recovery.

Italy’s bishops have called upon the faithful of the country to pray for the 88-year-old Pope Francis after he was diagnosed with pneumonia.

“As we entrust the work of doctors and medical staff to the Lord, we embrace the Holy Father with affection,” the bishops wrote in a statement, adding that all church communities in Italy are invited to support him “in this moment of suffering in prayer.”

In Pope Francis’ homeland of Argentina, prayers for him are already taking place.

The leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide has been receiving treatment in hospital in Rome since Friday.

Doctors have diagnosed “bilateral pneumonia,” indicating that both the right and left lungs are affected. Previously, there was only mention of an infection caused by various pathogens.

The influential Patriarch of Venice, Francesco Moraglia, urged the faithful of his diocese in a separate letter to pray for the pope “at every opportunity.”

Referring to the his health condition, Moraglia spoke of a “delicate situation.” He stressed that Francis must feel the “closeness” of the faithful right now.

Francis has already expressed his gratitude in writing from the hospital for all the prayers and good wishes he had received for his recovery.