Marcos: PH praying for Pope Francis' recovery

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed solidarity with the rest of the world in praying for the recovery and wellness of Pope Francis.

In a brief statement, Marcos expressed sadness over the condition of Pope Francis, who has been battling pneumonia in both lungs.

''Nakakalungkot na marinig ang malubhang karamdaman ni Pope Francis. Sa mga sandaling ito, kaisa tayo ng buong mundo sa panalangin para sa kanyang kalakasan at paggaling,'' Marcos said.

(It's so sad to hear that Pope Francis has been critically ill. In these times, we are one with other countries in praying for his recovery.)

''Nawa’y patuloy siyang patnubayan at palakasin ng Panginoon upang magpatuloy sa kanyang misyon ng pananampalataya at pagmamahal sa sangkatauhan,'' he added.

(We hope that God would continue to give him strength so that he could continue his mission of faith and love for the public.)

The Vatican on Sunday said Pope Francis remains in a critical condition and has shown an "initial, slight insufficiency" in his kidney function.

The prognosis for the 88-year-old pope, who required a transfusion of two units of blood on Saturday after experiencing a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis," remains "guarded", according to the latest medical update.

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14. The Vatican first described his condition as critical on Saturday.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Sunday asked the public to continue praying for Pope Francis. —KG, GMA Integrated News