When Pope Francis assured the people of Los Angeles of his prayers during their time of crisis, the faithful of the city never forgot his kindness. Now, as the Holy Father faces his own health struggles, Catholics in Los Angeles—and around the world—are lifting him up in prayer.
A City Comforted by the Holy Father’s Prayers
During the devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles, claiming lives and displacing families, Pope Francis extended his compassion to those affected. “My heart is with Los Angeles,” the Holy Father reassured the suffering, offering his prayers and support, according to Vatican News. His words and outreach, including a message of comfort to Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez, brought solace to many.
The Pope’s gesture did not go unnoticed. Many in Los Angeles found strength in his words, drawing closer to their faith as they faced hardship.
Prayers for the Pope’s Recovery
Now, as Pope Francis undergoes treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has called upon the faithful to return that same prayerful support. “After Archbishop Gomez and the Archdiocese posted a simple call for prayers for Pope Francis during his hospitalization,” Vatican News reports, “the result was a five-minute long compilation video released on the Archdiocese’s social channels.” The video quickly gained traction, inspiring Catholics from across the world to unite in prayer for the Pope’s recovery.
To Pope Francis with Love
The Archdiocese’s Digital Team created a special video titled To Pope Francis with Love, featuring heartfelt messages from families, priests, Catholic school students, and teachers from Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. Faithful from as far as Pennsylvania and the Philippines also participated.
The Archdiocese emphasized that there is still time for others to join in prayer. “There is still time for faithful to participate and continue to share their messages of healing and hope with Pope Francis by leaving their prayers in the video’s comment area on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook,” according to Vatican News.
Sarah Yaklic, the Archdiocese’s Chief Digital Officer, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “Since our digital team produced videos to help Pope Francis invite the global community to pray for his monthly intentions, we thought it would be fitting to invite our community and friends to submit video messages for the Holy Father during this time.” She added, “We hope that we will inspire more faithful to share their well wishes with Pope Francis and unite in prayer with Catholics around the world in praying for the Holy Father, especially those who have been praying daily in St. Peter’s Square.”
Pope Francis’ Gratitude for Prayers
The Holy Father has been deeply moved by the outpouring of prayers from the faithful. On Thursday evening, Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, shared that Pope Francis personally requested an audio message be played at the beginning of the Rosary in St. Peter’s Square. In it, he thanked the faithful “for the many prayers they are doing for him and thanks to which he feels as if he is ‘carried’ and supported by the whole People of God,” according to Vatican News.
A Call to Prayer
As Catholics, we are reminded of the power of prayer and community. Pope Francis has always been a shepherd to the people, and now, the faithful are answering the call to be a source of strength for him. Let us continue to pray for the Holy Father’s health and recovery, trusting in God’s providence and the intercession of the saints.
