Palo, Leyte archbishop appeals for prayers for Pope Francis
Pope Francis, wearing a yellow raincoat, celebrates mass amidst heavy rains and strong winds near the Tacloban Airport Saturday, January 17, 2015. After the mass, the Pope will visit Palo, Leyte to meet with families of typhoon Yolanda victims. The Pope visit to Leyte was shortened due to on going typhoon in the area. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacanang Photo Bureau)
TACLOBAN CITY — Archbishop John Du of Palo town, Leyte, has called on the faithful to pray for the immediate recovery of Pope Francis, the only Pontiff to have ever visited Eastern Visayas.
Du, in an open letter to the faithful on Monday, Feb. 24, sought continued prayers for the Holy Father who remains in critical condition at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
“As the doctors addressed the media and declared that ‘he is not out of danger,’ we continue to pray for the well-being of Pope Francis,” Du said.
“Our continued prayers and Masses offered for his health and well-being are our powerful way of showing our love for the Holy Father,” he added.
The archbishop reminded the faithful of Pope Francis’ historic visit to Leyte on Jan. 17, 2015, when he consoled survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan), which devastated the region on Nov. 8, 2013.
Article continues after this advertisement“In the Archdiocese of Palo, we remember how Pope Francis brought a profound sense of hope and solidarity to our communities affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan,” Du said.
Article continues after this advertisement“His presence as the vicar of Christ served as a powerful symbol of God’s mercy and compassion, reminding us that we are not alone in our collective efforts of healing and rebuilding,” he added.
During his visit, the Pope presided over a Mass in Tacloban attended by more than 200,000 people despite a typhoon hitting the province.
He also visited the Palo Cathedral and met with families affected by Yolanda.
The Archdiocese of Palo also debunked rumors circulating on social media that the Pope had died.
Fr. Chris Arthur Militante, the archdiocese’s information officer, dismissed the claims as “fake news” and urged the public to refer only to official sources such as the Vatican 黑料社 for updates on the Pope’s condition.
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis, 88, is being treated for double pneumonia and early kidney failure, requiring high-flow oxygen therapy.
Despite his serious health issues, he has remained alert and communicative, attending Mass and expressing gratitude for the global outpouring of prayers and support.
READ: Cardinal Tagle calls for special prayer for Pope Francis
