Time to “return the love” as Catholics in Africa Gather Online to Pray for Pope Francis’ Recovery

He added, “For over a decade, Pope Francis has guided the Church like a true shepherd, reminding us that the heart of the Gospel lies in closeness to the poor, the sick and the suffering.”

The Local Ordinary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recalled that even in his own weakness, Pope Francis had never ceased to call the Church to journey in solidarity with the most vulnerable. 

“And today, as he (Pope Francis) undergoes this physical ordeal, we return this love through our prayers, bringing him before the Lord, who has so often supported and encouraged us,” he said.

Reflecting on Isaiah 40:31, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar with wings like eagles”, Cardinal Ambongo said, “If God strengthens those who falter, we are certain that He will also support the Holy Father, who has dedicated his life to the service of Christ and His Church.”

The Congolese member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) further reflected on the passage from the Gospel of John 10:11-18, which speaks about the care of the Good Shepherd.

He said that for over 10 years, Pope Francis had embodied the shepherd's heart, proclaiming the Gospel to the peripheries, embracing the forgotten, and defending the dignity of every human being. 

Pope Francis, Cardinal Ambongo observed, “is a shepherd who walks with his flock, carrying on his shoulders the sufferings of the Church and the world.”

“Even today, in sickness, his heart remains with his people,” the President of SECAM said, recalling the Holy Father’s Message for the 2025 World Day of the Sick, which he wrote at what the Cardinal describes a “a time of great personal fragility”.

In the message, Pope Francis says, “Illness is never just a physical condition; it always has a spiritual, emotional and relational dimension. A society that does not care for the sick, the poor and the suffering loses its heart.”

Pope Francis’ words for the 2025 for the World Day of the Sick, Cardinal Ambongo noted, are a testimony of his own life. “Even in weakness, he continues to teach us, guide us and remind us that compassion is at the heart of our faith,” the Cardinal said.

“But today, as his flock, we turn our prayers to the shepherd himself,” he further said, and added, “Just as Christ, the Good Shepherd, never abandons his sheep, we know that God will not abandon his servant Francis. He remains in the hands of the Good Shepherd, who bears him tenderly through this trial.”

In his reflection, Cardinal Ambongo reminded the over 100 participants in the virtual prayer session to not only pray for Pope Francis' recovery, but also for all those who are suffering, including the hospitalized patients who he said could be forgotten by society, the elderly who he said feel isolated, victims of war and violence who he said long for peace, as well as the poor and marginalized who he said need the Church to be a sign of hope.

“Let us continue to pray for the Pope every day. Let us live as pilgrims of hope, knowing that our faith is stronger,” The Congolese Catholic Church leader, who was elevated to Cardinal during the October 2019 Consistory and reappointed to Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinals (C9) after the expiry of the initial October 2020 mandate said during the February 28 virtual prayer session. 

He implored, “May Our Lady, Mother of the Church, intercede for our Holy Father, so that he may soon regain his strength and continue to guide the Church with wisdom and peace.” 

The call for spiritual solidarity with Pope Francis at his time of need was also made by the Secretary General of SECAM, Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior who, in his opening remarks at the prayer session, lauded the various initiatives that the Church in Africa has already made to pray for the Holy Father. 

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“In recent weeks, we have seen numerous initiatives in Africa and its islands, in various Episcopal Conferences, Dioceses, Parishes, Religious houses and among countless people, all dedicated to uplifting our Holy Father and seeking divine intervention during his health challenges,” Fr. Simbine said.

He added, “This today's gathering represents the highest moment, because it is the whole of Africa that is united in prayer for the quick recovery of Pope Francis.” 

The Mozambican-born Catholic Priest described the February 28 virtual gathering as “a testament to our commitment as the Catholic Church in Africa”, and “a commitment to support our dear Pope during this time of need.”

He observed that Pope Francis has been a source of inspiration, hope, and guidance for millions around the world. 

The Holy Father’s words and actions, the Secretary General of SECAM said, are a call to serve others, advocate for justice, and care for the environment. “Now, it is our turn to lift him up in prayer, asking Almighty God for swift healing and renewed strength,” he said.

“As we begin our prayers, I encourage each of you to center your thoughts on love, compassion, and the bond we share as the Church in Africa. May our prayers be fervent and our faith unwavering,” Fr. Simbine said, and continued, “Together, let us invoke God's grace upon our Pope, that he may be restored to health and continue his mission of guiding us in faith and love.”

Pope Francis’ health condition “still remains reserved” after he “presented an isolated crisis of bronchospasm,” the Holy See Press Office said in a February 28 statement.

The February 28 afternoon crisis, the Holy See Press Office reported, “resulted in an episode of vomiting with inhalation and sudden worsening of the respiratory picture.” After the Holy Father was “bronchoaspirated and began noninvasive mechanical ventilation”, the Vatican indicated, he “remained alert and oriented at all times, cooperating with therapeutic maneuvers”.

Meanwhile, the 9 p.m. Holy Rosary for Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square continued for the fifth consecutive evening on February 28, with Víctor Manuel Cardinal Fernández, the Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith (DDF), leading the prayers.