On Sunday morning, the atmosphere at Gemelli Hospital was unusual. Dozens of people came to pray for the Pope.
I thought that, being here, I can go there physically and support him with a little prayer, and I came here to pray the Rosary with two other friends.
Pope Francis! So much strength! Strength and courage, which he has always had. And he transmits it to us. As he always says: “pregate per me”, in Italian, which means “pray for me”, for my health. And that is what I tell him. Just as he gives us so much strength, today more than ever we want strength for him.
Many people had left candles on the statue of Pope John Paul II to pray for his healing.
The Pope, for his part, sent this message to thank such displays of affection.
I am confidently continuing my hospitalization at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!
On that day, the Pope was to celebrate a Mass at which several deacons were to be ordained. He was replaced by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization.
MONS. RINO FISICHELLA
Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization
I am particularly pleased to have to read the homily that Pope Francis himself would have communicated to all of you on this particular Sunday.
Throughout the day, Masses were held throughout Rome and the world to pray for the Pope. His medical situation as Pope had never been so worrying.
JRB
TR: GS
