Even as Pope Francis spent his eighth day in a Rome hospital battling pneumonia, reports oscillated between hope and concern. The Archdiocese of Bombay has circulated a communication amongst Mumbai parishes titled ‘Requesting prayers for the speedy recovery of Pope Francis’. The one page circular dated February 19 is signed by Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop, and Archdiocese of Bombay.

It read: “I am writing to you on behalf of Archbishop John Rodrigues, who has instructed me to send this circular to you. With deep concern and filial love, we have received the news of the illness of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. As members of the universal Church united in faith and charity, we are called to support our Holy Father with our prayers, asking the Lord to grant him strength, healing and a swift recovery.”