Statement of Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez Following Hospitalization of Pope Francis

I was saddened to see the information released by the Vatican a short time ago that Pope Francis has been hospitalized with a respiratory infection and is expected to remain in treatment for several days.

I ask the bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful of the Church of Philadelphia to join their hearts and voices in prayer for the intention of the Holy Father’s good health. The Universal Church is deeply blessed by his ministry. He is a man of deep compassion, humility, and strength. The Philadelphia region will always share a special bond with Pope Francis in gratitude for his visit to our city in 2015.

May the hand of God guide those who are caring for our Holy Father and Mary, Help of the Sick, bring him every comfort on the road to recovery. 

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia