CBCP urges Filipinos to pray for critically ill Pope Francis

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged the public to continue praying for Pope Francis, who remains in critical condition at Rome's Gemelli hospital.

According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office on Sunday, February 23, Pope Francis experienced a respiratory attack that required high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions due to thrombocytopenia and anemia.

The Vatican emphasized that although the pope is alert, his condition has worsened and he is more uncomfortable than before with a guarded prognosis.

On February 14, Pope Francis was hospitalized for tests and treatment of bronchitis which later developed into a polymicrobial infection and double pneumonia.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David and other church leaders in the Philippines previously called on the public to pray for Pope Francis's recovery.

The Manila Archdiocese conducted a prayer hour for Francis, and bishops across the Philippines have also asked for prayers for the pontiff.