May St. Bakhita Intercede for Pope Francis, Catholic Leaders in Africa Call for Prayers for Holy Father’s Recovery

The Local Ordinary of CDTY since his Episcopal Consecration in June 2008 has directed that in all Parishes, Religious institutions, and homes of the Diocese, special prayers be offered unceasingly for Pope Francis.

“May our Eucharistic celebrations, Rosaries, and personal devotions be offered with heartfelt supplication for his healing and strength,” he says.

According to the latest Vatican updates on the health situation of Pope Francis, although his condition remains serious, he has shown “slight improvement” as he continues treatment on his 11th day at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

The 88-year-old Pontiff is still receiving oxygen therapy through his nose, though at a slightly reduced flow and concentration, according to the Holy See Press Office released on Monday, February 24 evening.

Doctors reported no further episodes of respiratory distress following a “respiratory crisis” on February 22. Some of the Holy Father’s laboratory tests have improved, and his “mild kidney insufficiency” remains under observation but is not a cause for concern, the Vatican said.

On Tuesday, February 25 morning, the Vatican reported that the Holy Father had “rested well the whole night”.

In his appeal for “fervent prayers” for Pope Francis through the intercession of St. Bakhita, Bishop Hiiboro says, “Let us trust in the power of prayer and intercede for our Holy Father with unwavering faith.”

“May the Lord, the Divine Healer, bless Pope Francis with renewed strength, health, and peace. May our Mother Mary, Queen of the Church, watch over him and intercede on his behalf,” the South Sudanese Catholic Bishop implores.

On his part, Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Kenya’s Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri has joined the call for prayers for Pope Francis, describing prayers for the Holy Father as “a filial duty of every Catholic”.

In his message ACI Africa obtained on Monday, February 24, Archbishop Muheria says, “Just like the early Church, I wish to appeal to all of us, priests, religious and lay Christians, to offer prayers and sacrifices, asking for his quick recovery. It is a filial duty of every Catholic.”

The Kenyan Catholic Archbishop has requested that a novena of Rosaries be offered every day for the health and intentions of Pope Francis. 

He has also appealed to the people of God under his pastoral care to consider spending some time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, praying for the Holy Father and others suffering sicknesses and pain. 

“May the Lord send His angels to guard our Holy Father and grant him peace even in his illness. May Our Blessed Mother obtain for him the grace of recovery,” Archbishop Muheria says.

In Kenya’s Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN), Catholics in various places of public worship on Sunday, February 23, including the Holy Family Basilica, were invited to pray for the Holy Father’s recovery.