Please pray for the Pope

It's never easy when someone close to you falls ill. Although I have never met the Pope personally, he is like a spiritual father to billions, a firm moral voice and authority in our world and a beacon of Gospel truth and Christian witness. The passing of this light will be the end of an era indeed for the Church and for our world. Somehow, it is hard not to be affected by scenes of his failing health, his increasing frailty and illness... I cried on Easter Sunday as I watched the live broadcast of his struggle to vocalize the traditional 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing.Watching his struggle with ill-health and age reminds me of the year I spent doing pastoral work in a home for the aged - it was tough.

Let us all, men and women of good will, pray for the Pope, for his health and for the Lord's will to be done in all things. May the Lord one day, say to him: "Well done, wise and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Master." (cf Matt 25:23)