Why pray for Pope Francis?
The five reasons below will encourage you to respond to the Holy Father's request to pray for him during the month of November.
Every year, the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network releases a list of prayer intentions that Pope Francis proposes for each month.
On its website, the network says that the Holy Father "entrusts each month to his Worldwide Prayer Network, prayer intentions that express his great concern for humanity and for the mission of the Church."
During the month of November, Pope Francis asks that the faithful pray for him, “so that in the exercise of his mission he continues to accompany in faith the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.”
“Please, I ask you to judge with benevolence. And let them pray that the Pope, whoever he is, today it is my turn, receives the help of the Holy Spirit, that he may be docile to that help.”
His worldwide network shared five reasons to respond to this call from the Holy Father:
1. “Simon, I have prayed for you, so that your faith may not fail.” (Luke 22:32)
The resurrected Jesus appears to the apostles and tells Peter that he has prayed for Him; He knows that Peter needs his prayers to face the mission that awaits him. The same can be said of his successor, who is the Pope.
2. “Upon this rock, I will build my church.” (Matt. 16:18)
Like Peter, the Pope is the bishop of Rome and, therefore, the rock on which the Church stands. He has the task, often not easy, of carrying the weight.
3. “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)
Like Peter, the Pope is the shepherd of Christ's flock, his guide. He has the task of guiding the sheep so that they do not get lost.
4. “You must strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32)
Like Peter, the Pope has the mission of confirming his brothers in the faith, of helping them to preserve their own faith and develop it.
5. “So you could not keep watch with me for an hour?” (Matt. 26:40)
Like Peter, the Pope is a man, with his human weaknesses. This is also why he needs our prayers.
Why is it important to pray for the Pope? @Pontifex_en asks us to pray that the Pope, whoever he might be, “may receive the help of the Holy Spirit” and “may be docile to that help.” @popesprayer_en https://t.co/BQnm6do3GZ#ThePopeVideo #ClickToPray #PrayTogether pic.twitter.com/k6chxC3zUW
— The Pope Video (@thepopevideo) November 2, 2023
The network added that throughout history, the Church has had 266 popes, 82 of whom are recognized as saints. Additionally, 11 are declared "Blessed," one is Venerable, and two are Servants of God.