Pope Francis is spending his 12th anniversary of papacy in Rome’s Gemelli hospital due to health issues. However, he has been receiving an outpouring of support and prayers from people around the world.
The pope has made requesting prayers a hallmark of his papacy, often including it at the end of letters and speeches. His frequent request for prayers has become a standard way for him to conclude his communication with the public.
Pope Francis’s request for prayers dates back to before he was elected as Pope in 2013. During his inauguration address, he asked the crowd to pray for him, saying “Before the bishop blesses his people, I ask you to pray to the Lord that he will bless me.”
The pope has been open about his health issues, including bronchitis and double pneumonia, which have forced him to spend time in hospital. However, despite his health challenges, he remains committed to his duties as Pope.
In a gesture of gratitude for his prayers, Pope Francis often thanks those who pray for him. He wrote in an Angelus prayer message, “I feel all your affection and closeness, and, at this particular time, I feel as if I am ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people.”
As the Catholic Church in Argentina prepares to celebrate Pope Francis’s 12th anniversary, they are planning special Masses in every diocese. The Archbishop of Mendoza said the Masses would be a “public witness of our gratitude for his generous dedication.”
Source: https://www.osvnews.com/papal-anniversary-for-12-years-hes-said-dont-forget-to-pray-for-me