INTRAMUROS, Manila — With Pope Francis still confined at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli (Gemelli University Hospital) in Lazio, Rome for pneumonia and acute bronchitis, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Adnvucula has asked Filipinos to hold community prayers for the Pope who remains hospitalized for almost a week now.

"Let us unite ourselves in prayer in this trying time for the Church," Advincula enjoined Filipino Catholics to ask divine help for the 88-year-old pontiff's speedy recovery.

The cardinal's call echoes an appeal by the apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown, “to pray for the speedy recovery of the Holy Father as well as for all the doctors and nurses who are taking care of him.”

“In response, I would like to request our parishes and communities to organize community prayers for the intention of Pope Francis, like gathering our people for a Holy Hour for the Healing of the Sick, especially of the Pope. Let us likewise offer our personal and family prayers for this intention,” Advincula enthused.
“Let us unite in this trying time for the Church,” he reiterated.

Meanwhile, prayers by the faithful around the globe appears to have a divine response as a rainbow miraculously appeared on Tuesday afternoon over Gemelli University Hospital, where Pope Francis is confined.

The Vatican reported that the pontiff was alert and cheerful even as he is under treatment while people continue leaving flowers and small personal notes to wish him to recover from his sickness.