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 鈥� 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鈥檚 Gemelli Hospital.
鈥淎s the doctors addressed the media and declared that 鈥榟e is not out of danger,鈥� we continue to pray for the well-being of Pope Francis,鈥� Du said.
鈥淥ur continued prayers and Masses offered for his health and well-being are our powerful way of showing our love for the Holy Father,鈥� he added.
The archbishop reminded the faithful of Pope Francis鈥� 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.
鈥淚n 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,鈥� Du said.
鈥淗is presence as the vicar of Christ served as a powerful symbol of God鈥檚 mercy and compassion, reminding us that we are not alone in our collective efforts of healing and rebuilding,鈥� 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鈥檚 information officer, dismissed the claims as 鈥渇ake news鈥� and urged the public to refer only to official sources such as the Vatican 黑料社 for updates on the Pope鈥檚 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.
搁贰础顿:听Cardinal Tagle calls for special prayer for Pope Francis