Irish Bishops ask for prayers for the health of Pope Francis

Pope Francis during his visit to Croke Park, Dublin, for 9th World Meeting of Families August 2018. CCO archive

Source: Irish Catholic Bishops Conference

Today, the members of the Standing Committee of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference gathered in Columba Centre of Saint Patrick's College, Maynooth, and released the following statement:

"Pope Francis has a special place in the hearts of the people of Ireland, and this closeness was especially evident during his visit to Dublin and Knock in August 2018. Since his hospitalisation on 14 February, we have been praying in a special way for the health and recovery of the Holy Father. We are following closely the updates from the Vatican, with this morning's news stating that 'the night went well; the Pope slept and is resting' in Gemelli Hospital, Rome, where he is receiving treatment for complex medical issues. We know from his message yesterday, Sunday, that the Holy Father is appreciative of the prayers and support of people, including children from all over the world.

"At the same time, conscious of the Holy Father's critical condition, we invite the faithful to join a daily praying of the Rosary, which will be broadcast from Saint Peter's Square this evening at 8.00pm (Ireland time), where cardinals and members of the Roman Curia will join with pilgrims to pray for Pope Francis' health. This evening's Rosary will be led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State."

Also at their meeting, bishops prayed for the repose of the gentle soul of their beloved former colleague, Bishop Willie Walsh, Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe, whose Funeral Mass was celebrated this afternoon in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Ennis, by the Bishop of Killaloe, Bishop Fintan Monahan.

Members of the Standing Committee of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference
Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh (President)
Archbishop Dermot Farrell, Archbishop of Dublin (Vice-President)
Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly SMA, Archbishop of Cashel & Emly (concelebrating Funeral Mass of Bishop Walsh in Ennis)
Archbishop Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam
Bishop William Crean, Bishop of Cloyne
Bishop Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Limerick (concelebrating Funeral Mass of Bishop Walsh in Ennis)
Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin
Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Bishop of Down & Connor
Bishop Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath
Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork & Ross
Bishop Ger Nash, Bishop of Ferns (concelebrating Funeral Mass of Bishop Walsh in Ennis)
Bishop Paul Dempsey, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dublin