Prayers sought for Pope Francis' leadership
-A A +AMonday, March 18, 2013
THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) asked churches to devote special prayers in all masses for Pope Francis as he officially assumes the papal throne on Tuesday.
“CBCP president Archbishop Jose Palma has requested the bishops special prayers in all Masses tomorrow for the intention of the Holy Father as he begins his petrine ministry,” said CBCP secretary general Msgr. Joselito Asis.
Francis, formerly Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina, will be formally installed as the 266th pope of the world’s 1.2-billion Catholics at 9:30 a.m. (3:30 p.m. in Manila) at the Vatican.
Heads of state and governments are expected to attend the papal inaugural mass as the Philippines will be represented by Vice President Jejomar Binay and Ambassador to the Holy See Mercedes Tuason.
“I’ll be bringing likewise the letter of the President (Benigno Aquino III) congratulating the Pope,” said Binay, who flew on Monday morning via Emirates flight EK 337.
Last Saturday, young Catholics gathered outside the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Parañaque City to show their support for the Latin American pope through prayers and lively chants like “Mabuhay ang Santo Papa!”
The 76-year-old Bergoglio was elected last Thursday, replacing Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in February 28 due to health reasons. (FP/Sunnex)
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