World leaders and religious figures send well wishes to Pope Francis amid health concerns

The Vatican press office has confirmed that Pope Francis slept well through the night, with further updates on his health condition expected later today. Meanwhile, messages of support and well wishes for his recovery continue to pour in from across the globe.

“I hope he gets well,” said U.S. President Donald Trump, while French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his hope for the pontiff’s “full and swift recovery.” His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was among the first to send his wishes in a handwritten letter, praying for Pope Francis’ “quick return to his important and sacred duties.”

Religious leaders have also voiced their support. Imam Yahya Sergio Yahe Pallavicini from Mecca praised the pope as a “champion of dialogue between Christians and Muslims,” while Noemi Di Segni, President of the Italian Jewish Communities, emphasised that “Francis’ voice and actions are a key reference point for interfaith dialogue and all of humanity.”

Despite heavy rain, a crowd of believers gathered last night in St. Peter’s Square to pray for the pope’s recovery. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin led the prayers, saying, “We call upon the Virgin Mary for her strong intercession, that she may support him during this time of illness and trial, and help him regain his health soon.”

The Vatican has announced that these prayer gatherings for Pope Francis’ recovery will now take place every evening in St. Peter’s Square.

Source: ANA-MPA / nytimes