Cardinal Nichols assures Pope of devotion to the Holy Father from England and Wales

Cardinal Vincent Nichols has written to Pope Francis to assure the Holy Father of the “fervent and heartfelt” prayerful support for him from Catholics and the wider Catholic community in England and Wales. Sources close to the Pope, who has now been hospitalised for eight days, have said that while his situation remains serious after The post Cardinal Nichols assures Pope of devotion to the Holy Father from England and Wales first appeared on Catholic Herald. The post Cardinal Nichols assures Pope of devotion to the Holy Father from England and Wales appeared first on Catholic Herald.

Feb 22, 2025 - 04:00

Cardinal Nichols assures Pope of devotion to the Holy Father from England and Wales

Cardinal Vincent Nichols has written to Pope Francis to assure the Holy Father of the “fervent and heartfelt” prayerful support for him from Catholics and the wider Catholic community in England and Wales.

Sources close to the Pope, who has now been hospitalised for eight days, have said that while his situation remains serious after his diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia, he is not in danger and is making progress toward recovery.

“[I] assure you of the prayers of so many here in England and Wales,” Cardinal Nichols, who is the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and Archbishop of Westminster, wrote.

“The prayers of the Catholic community are fervent and heartfelt. Many others, I am sure, are joining in this prayer for your recovery and continued health.”

The Cardinal also emphasised to the Holy Father that Catholics in England and Wales have a strong devotion to the Pope, which is partly influenced by the unique history of these lands and the long struggle to defend the Catholic Faith against suppression.

“Catholics in England and Wales have a particular devotion to the person of the Holy Father, arising out of the historic loyalty of the faithful in these countries to him,” wrote Cardinal Nichols. “Very many people hold you in high esteem and appreciate deeply the guidance and leadership you give in your Petrine ministry.”

As well as asking for the Pope’s blessing on the communities and on all the people in the lands of the British Isles, the cardinal prayed through the intercession of Our Lady, for strength and perseverance to be granted to Pope Francis:

“We pray that through the intercession of our Blessed Lady, especially under her title of Our Lady of Walsingham, you may be given strength and perseverance in these days and continue to bring to the world the joy and compassion which has been so steadfastly at the heart of your ministry.”

Photo: Cardinal Vincent Nichols. (Photo: Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.)