Today, March 13, 2025, marks the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’ election as the Bishop of Rome. As he spends this milestone day in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, people around the world are responding to his heartfelt request to pray for him.
Pope Francis has made it a habit to ask for prayers since the beginning of his papacy, and it’s become a standard way for him to end letters and speeches. His humility and recognition of his limitations have resonated with people of all faiths, and his request for prayers has become a unifying force.
As he celebrates his 12th anniversary, Pope Francis is grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support. In a recent message, he thanked the faithful for their prayers, saying he feels “carried” and supported by God’s people.
The Catholic Church in Argentina, Pope Francis’ native country, is celebrating his anniversary with special Masses in every diocese. Archbishop Marcelo Colombo of Mendoza described the Masses as a “public witness of our gratitude for his generous dedication, which has borne abundant fruits of pastoral love over the years.”
As Pope Francis continues to recover from his health issues, the world is coming together to pray for him. His legacy as a pontiff who has brought people together through his humility, compassion, and dedication to serving others continues to inspire and uplift millions around the globe.