As Pope Francis is currently hospitalized due to respiratory infections, the Filipino faithful asked for prayers for his fast healing.

According to the Vatican, the Pope's illness is unrelated to COVID-19 despite his breathing difficulties.

“Let us pray for Pope Francis as he undergoes treatment at the Gemelli Hospital here in Rome for respiratory infections (not Covid). He expresses his gratitude to all of us for our prayers and closeness with him in spirit," Fr. Greg Gaston, rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome, said in a message sent to Church-run Radio Veritas on Thursday.

The pontiff underwent colon surgery in July 2021 and had been suffering from severe knee pain, necessitating the use of a cane and a wheelchair.