A hallmark of Pope Francis’ ministry as the successor of St. Peter has been his constant request for prayers.
From the moment he first appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he has repeatedly asked for our prayer. “I ask you to pray to the Lord, that he will bless me,” then he humbly bowed his head as the crowd in St. Peter’s Square offered silent prayers on his behalf. After blessing the crowd, he expressed gratitude, wished us a good night, and reiterated his appeal, “Pray for me.”
Now, as Pope Francis remains in Gemelli Hospital being treated for double pneumonia, let’s storm heaven, asking that God would guard and protect the pope!
A prayer for Pope Francis, from the Roman Missal
O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favorably on your servant Francis,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;
Grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom he presides
so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
A traditional prayer to protect the pope
V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies. [Psalm 40:3]
The Our Father and the Hail Mary are then said.
O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Another prayer from the Roman Missal
o God, who in your providential design
willed that your Church be built
upon blessed Peter, whom you set over the other apostles,
Look with favor, we pray, on Francis our Pope
and grant that he, whom you have made Peter’s successor,
may be for your people a visible source and foundation
of unity in faith and of communion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
