Pope Francis was on the minds of everyone who came to mass at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in North Hollywood Sunday morning, including Cardinal Roger Mahony.
Mahony was part of the conclave that elected Pope Francis back in 2013. He described Pope Francis as someone who has great compassion and mercy towards others.
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“Today our prayers and thoughts surround him,” Mahony said. “We just pray that especially that he recovers and is able to continue his ministry.”
A message was posted on Pope Francis’ social media Sunday morning thanking people for their continued prayers.
“I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” the pope’s account said. “Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”
Pope Francis did not provide an update on his condition and the Vatican only said that he rested and had a tranquil night. The 88-year-old has been in the hospital in Rome for more than a week with pneumonia.
Saturday, the Vatican said Francis was in critical condition after suffering a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis.” He received both oxygen therapy and blood transfusions.
Francis has long dealt with breathing problems. He had part of a lung removed decades ago and has battled pneumonia before, but the Vatican said his prognosis this time is guarded, meaning they can’t predict whether he’ll get better or worse.
Mahony said 2025 has been declared the year of the jubilee. Pope Francis has many events planned, centering around the theme of hope. So, he’s hopeful the pope will make a full recovery, and be able to celebrate with the faithful around the world.
