CBCP calls for prayers for hospitalized Pope Francis

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Wednesday called for prayers for Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized since February 14 with pneumonia.

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma joined CBCP president Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David in urging parishes and communities to organize community prayers for the pope's recovery.

On Friday, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula led a prayer gathering at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Manila as part of the nationwide call for divine intervention for Pope Francis' healing.

Pope Francis has spent another night without incident, marking his seventh day in Rome's Gemelli hospital with slight improvement shown in blood exams, according to the Vatican on Friday.

Leading these efforts are several shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Diocese of Antipolo, including the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City and other diocesan shrines such as those in Cardona, San Mateo, Cainta, and Marikina City.

Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos issued an official prayer for Pope Francis' healing and recovery, which has been recited during Masses at all the involved shrines since February 20.

In Manila, Archbishop Advincula led a Holy Hour at the Manila Cathedral where faithful gathered to pray for the pope's recovery.