Rome, Feb. 19, (dpa/GNA) – Italy’s bishops called upon the faithful of the country to pray for the 88-year-old Pope Francis on Wednesday after he was diagnosed with pneumonia the previous day.
“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 was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday after falling ill with bronchitis.
On Monday, the Vatican said he was presenting a “complex clinical picture” and that he had been diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection.
Concerns grew after a Tuesday evening update in which the Vatican said Francis had been diagnosed with “bilateral pneumonia,” meaning both lungs are inflamed.
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 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.
The Vatican said on Wednesday morning that the pope had a good night’s sleep in hospital and ate breakfast as usual and that he remains “in good spirits.”
Pope Francis is staying in a special 10th-floor wing of the Gemelli Hospital that is reserved for popes.
Journalists, camera crews and supporters have gathered outside of the hospital as Catholics around the world await updates on Francis’ health.
An elderly woman, Marianna, said she was praying for the pope’s recovery. “The pope is strong. He will surely make it,” she told dpa.
The pontiff’s health has been in decline for some time. For years he has used a cane or a wheelchair to get around due to knee pain that has limited his mobility.
He has long endured respiratory challenges. Part of his right lung has been missing since his youth, and he has been known to suffer from bouts of influenza and bronchitis.
On Friday morning, Francis received Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico for a private audience, during which he reportedly seemed breathless and was coughing.
Francis is now the second-oldest pope in history. As the successor to Benedict XVI, he has been in office since March 2013.
GNA