Pope Francis’s request for prayers has become a recurring theme throughout his time as head of the Roman Catholic Church. Following his election on March 13, 2013, and after entering the hospital with severe lung infections, Catholics worldwide have been responding to his call for prayer. The Vatican has noted a slight improvement in the Pope’s condition, and various prayer sessions have been organized in parishes around the world. Even those who have opposed Francis’s vision within the church have joined in these prayers. The emphasis on prayer throughout Francis’s papacy signifies his commitment to humility and trust in prayer for guidance and and divine help. He believes that prayer fosters human solidarity and keeps the church united, preaching that a church that prays together, stays together. For the Catholic Church, prayer has been an important form of communication with God and continued guidance for dealing with the real-world challenges faced by its members. Despite the Pope’s own condition serving as a further call for prayer, support and implementation of prayer by both church leaders and the general congregation is unwavering.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/14/world/europe/pope-francis-pray.html