POPE FRANCIS ASKS THAT WE PRAY FOR HIM

Pope Francis has asked us to pray for him.  Again.

But this is nothing new for this Pope.  He has been asking us to pray for him since he stepped out onto the central balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica after his election.

For the Holy Father, part of the church’s “pilgrim journey” involves walking together and praying for each other. It is a recurring theme that permeates much of his writing and teaching.

Key to Pope Francis concept of the Church’s ministry is the idea of “accompaniment,” which Francis established as a priority in his 2013 Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, (The Joy of the Gospel).

“The Church will have to initiate everyone — priests, religious and laity — into this ‘art of accompaniment,’ which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other,” he wrote.

Francis is insisting on his solidarity with the whole human family in his need for prayers. Popes are big, powerful leaders. But they lead out of humility and compassion and mercy, which may be a more effective way to lead, at least on the world stage.

Pope Francis has always asked people to pray for him, but more so after he had become a Bishop. “I feel I have many weaknesses and problems; I am a sinner too. This request is something that comes from within. I also ask Mary to pray for me. It’s a habit that comes from the heart. It’s something I feel I have to ask,” he said.

And so, let us pray for the Holy Father each day.  May the Lord grant him good health, peace of mind and spirit, a healthy sense of humor and the joy which is the fruitful of humility and patience. 

Long life and happiness to the Holy Father.  Ad multos annos!