MANILA Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula on Saturday, December 31, 2022, called on the Filipino faithful to offer prayers for the improvement of the health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
In a radio interview, Advincula asked the faithful to pray for the former pope to get well soon after it was disclosed that he is “very ill.”
“We are appealing to everybody to include Pope Benedict XVI in the prayer intentions of our Masses, in prayers, Holy Hour, and praying of the rosary,” said Advincula.
He said he is personally entrusting the welfare of the retired Pontiff to the Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“We pray that, in this time of Christmas, Pope Benedict XVI will be able to feel the presence of Jesus. We are entrusting him to the Lord and the care of Mother Mary,” said Advincula.
No less than Pope Francis earlier called for prayers for a “very ill” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
The Vatican subsequently confirmed that the former pope was under medical care following a decline in his health.
Benedict XVI served as head of the Catholic Church from April 2005 to February 2013.
He succeeded Saint Pope John Paul II after the latter’s death.
On the other hand, Benedict XVI was succeeded by Francis after the former’s resignation. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)