Prayers from other faiths for Pope Francis’ recovery

Buddhist monks in the Agrashravaka temple of the Mahabodhi Buddhist community in Colombo, Sri Lanka, gathered last week for a special “Puja” ritual to pray for the Pope.

The ceremony was attended by Fr Jude Krishantha Fernando from the Catholic Bishops Conference of Sri Lanka.

“The monks,” said Fr Fernando, “offered flowers and drinks to Buddha, paused in meditation and recited passages from the scriptures of their faith. They asked for the Buddha’s guidance, for wisdom and compassion.”

Pope Francis visited the temple in 2015.

“Pope Francis, with his attitude of dialogue and sincere fraternity towards all, left a legacy of empathy and closeness that we still feel here today,” Fr Fernando said.

Last month, in Cairo, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar University, the highest seat of Sunni Islamic learning, wished Pope Francis a speedy recovery.

“I pray to God to grant my dear brother, Pope Francis, a swift recovery and to bless him with health and wellbeing so that he continues his journey in serving humanity,” said Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb.

In 2019, the Pope and the Grand Imam collaborated in producing a document on human fraternity.

The American Jewish Committee also offered prayers for Pope Francis, reported AFP.

“We stand together with our Catholic brothers and sisters during this challenging time,” the group wrote on X.

The Pope remained in a stable condition in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Monday, after a setback some days earlier.

On Friday, the Pope began non-invasive ventilation after experiencing “an isolated crisis of bronchospasm” that resulted in “a sudden worsening” of his respiratory condition.

But on Sunday he no longer required mechanical ventilation, although he was still receiving oxygen.

An update from the Holy See Press Office on Monday morning stated that the Pope had rested well through the night.

But recovery for the 88-year-old Holy Father “will certainly not be imminent”, Vatican officials cautioned later on Monday, reported CNA.

In a message released with his Angelus text for Sunday, the Pontiff expressed his gratitude for those praying for him. 

FULL STORY

ASIA/SRI LANKA – Puja ritual in a Buddhist temple dedicated to Pope Francis – Agenzia Fides (Fides)

Al-Azhar imam wishes Pope Francis speedy recovery (Anadolu Ajansi)

Prayers offered for pope’s recovery (AFP)

An inside look at how Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar have revolutionized Catholic-Muslim relations | America Magazine (America Magazine)

Pope Francis’ health latest news: Live updates | Catholic News Agency (Catholic News Agency)