Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane, Washington, said: «I ask Catholics and others to join with the bishops of the United States in prayer for our Holy Father’s comfort and health. He is a beloved figure who especially loves the church in the United States and appreciates our concern.»
Calls for prayers were made worldwide. At a Mass on the feast of the Presentation, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Cardinal Keith O’Brien said: «We are gathered today to pray for the intentions of Pope John Paul II. We are all aware of his frail health at this present time. …
«We pray that the light of his teaching may continue to spread throughout the world, especially in places where there is the darkness of war and unrest, of disease and suffering.»
The U.S. bishops’ Web site, meanwhile, has a number of pages dedicated to John Paul II’s life, including key events, at www.usccb.org/pope/dates.htm.
