Bishop Pohlmeier Calls for Continued Prayer
By Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis’ condition has shown “further slight improvement” over the past 24 hours, according to the Vatican’s evening medical bulletin on Feb. 26. The statement noted that the “mild renal insufficiency” previously observed “has receded,” and a CT scan performed on Feb. 25 indicated a “normal evolution” of his pulmonary inflammation.
The 88-year-old pope, who has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since Feb. 14, continues high-flow oxygen therapy and respiratory physiotherapy. He has not experienced another “asthmatic respiratory crisis” like the one reported on Feb. 22. The latest update no longer describes his condition as “critical,” though the Vatican maintains that “his prognosis remains guarded.”
Bishop Pohlmeier Urges Faithful to Continue Praying for Pope Francis
In response to the pope’s ongoing health challenges, Bishop Erik Pohlmeier of the Diocese of St. Augustine has called on the faithful to unite and continue praying for the Holy Father.
“I write today with an appeal for prayer and support for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who is currently hospitalized with a serious condition,” Bishop Pohlmeier said in a statement on Feb. 24. “A beacon of hope, compassion and unity in our global family, his steadfast commitment to spreading the Gospel and serving the poor and marginalized inspires us all.”
“As he continues to receive the necessary care, I trust in God’s mercy and ask our community to join together in prayer—invoking the healing grace of our Lord upon him and keeping him in your daily prayers. Let us pray for his strength, recovery, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit over his life,” the bishop urged.
Faithful throughout the diocese are encouraged to offer Mass intentions, pray the rosary or spend time in Eucharistic adoration for Pope Francis’ healing.
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