Catholics urged to pray for Pope Francis

In an appeal issued on Wednesday night, the archdiocese received from the Vatican's press office an update on the pontiff's condition. "In union with the whole Church, let us pray fervently for the healing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Archbishop Charles John Brown, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, has made an appeal to pray for the speedy recovery of the Holy Father as well as for all the doctors and nurses who are taking care of him," Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula said. "In response to this call, I would like to request our parishes and communities to organize community prayers for the intention of Pope Francis, like gathering our people for a Holy Hour for the Healing of the Sick, especially of the Pope. Let us likewise offer our personal and family prayers for this intention," Advincula said. The archdiocese was informed by the Vatican that the pope was "stable." Francis had breakfast, was able to work with his "closest collaborators," and even met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Also on Thursday, Advincula asked the faithful to hold a Holy Hour for the Healing of Pope Francis on Friday at 5 p.m. at the Manila Cathedral. "Parishes and communities are encouraged to gather the faithful for this intention through Masses, Holy Hour and other community prayers. Kindly find the attached Prayer for the Healing of Pope Francis in English and Tagalog," he wrote in a circular on Thursday. "Let us storm heaven with our supplications. Let us accompany Pope Francis with our loving prayers and entrust him to the Lord's healing hand as well as his doctors, nurses and medical professionals," Advincula said. Aside from the Archdiocese of Manila, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Caloocan also invited the people for a Mass last Thursday, and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma appealed for prayers for the ailing pontiff.