A Blessing and a Request for Prayers

The papal audience held in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on January 8 was one of several opportunities that Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., had to speak personally with Pope Francis during a recent visit in Rome. The Bishop was one of six cardinals and bishops onstage with the Holy Father who were escorted to greet the Pope personally.

Bishop O'Connell said of personal time he was given with Pope Francis, "I concelebrated two private Masses with the Holy Father...just the two of us. After the second Mass, we spoke about the Diocese. I asked Pope Francis if I might extend his personal greeting to the clergy and faithful of the Diocese, to which he responded 'Yes, please. And my blessing.' He made the sign of the cross, then took my hand and said 'Please ask them to pray for me. I need it.' I promised him I would. Please pray for our Holy Father, who sends you his very best wishes and blessing."