U.S. church leaders ask for prayers for hospitalized pope

Published: 2005-02-02

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- U.S. church leaders urged prayers for the health of Pope John Paul II, who was rushed to a Rome hospital Feb. 1 because he had difficulty breathing. "I ask Catholics and others to join with the bishops of the United States in prayer for our Holy Father's comfort and health," said Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. "He is a beloved figure who especially loves the church in the United States and appreciates our concern," the bishop said in a statement issued shortly after he learned of the pope's hospitalization. The pope's condition stabilized Feb. 2 and he was able to concelebrate Mass from his hospital bed, according to the Vatican spokesman, Joaquin Navarro-Valls. He told reporters in Rome that the pontiff "was able to rest for several hours during the night, he was able to sleep."

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