UCA News
Contribute

Vatican Manila envoy appeals for prayers for Pope Francis

Papal nuncio to the Philippines says pope is facing a difficult time in his battle against 'attacks from the devil'
Vatican Manila envoy appeals for prayers for Pope Francis

Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, papal nuncio to the Philippines, speak before devotees of St. Padre Pio in the province of Batangas on Oct. 6. (Photo by Maria Tan)

Published: October 11, 2018 06:44 AM GMT
Updated: October 11, 2018 06:47 AM GMT

The papal nuncio to the Philippines has appealed to Filipinos to pray for Pope Francis as he faces a "difficult time" in the midst of reports of scandals that threaten the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Gabriele Caccia told a gathering of devotees of St. Padre Pio in the province of Batangas that the pope needs prayers to continue the mission of the church.

"There are many issues where we need to have the helping hand of God, the Holy Spirit," said the archbishop. 

"The pope asked for prayers because there are many challenges in the period of our time," added Archbishop Caccia.

"Please remember to pray for him, especially in this difficult time," he said during a Mass marking the visit of Padre Pio's heart relic in the Philippines this month.

The prelate said the church is facing problems that include issues affecting the family, environment, peace, migrants, and refugees.

"The pope spoke about purification inside the church also. There are some scandals that don't help in going on with confidence," said Archbishop Caccia.

Pope Francis earlier called on Catholics to pray the rosary every day during the month of October to protect the church from what he described as "attacks by the devil."

In what could be his harshest criticism of abortion, the pope this week compared the procedure to "hiring a hitman to resolve a problem."

Archbishop Caccia said the pope wants prayers for the church to become more aware of its "guilt, errors and abuses [and] to prevent evil from prevailing."

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia