Marcos urges Filipinos to continue praying for Pope Francis

Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is calling on Filipinos to pray for the healing and recovery of Pope Francis in critical condition battling double pneumonia.

"Nakakalungkot na marinig ang malubhang karamdaman ni Pope Francis. Sa mga sandaling ito, kaisa tayo ng buong mundo sa panalangin para sa kanyang kalakasan at paggaling," Marcos said in a statement released on Monday, February 24.

[Translation: It is sad to hear about Pope Francis’ serious illness. In these moments, we stand united with the rest of the world in prayer for his strength and recovery.]

The president also shared a photo of an encounter with the pontiff.

"Nawa’y patuloy siyang patnubayan at palakasin ng Panginoon upang magpatuloy sa kanyang misyon ng pananampalataya at pagmamahal sa sangkatauhan," he added.

[Translation: May the Lord continue to guide and strengthen him so he may carry on with his mission of faith and love for humanity.]

The Vatican reported that Francis has shown an "initial, slight insufficiency" in kidney function.

"The condition of the Holy Father remains critical; however, since last night he has not experienced further respiratory crises," the Vatican said on Sunday, Feb. 23.

Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14.