Courtesy Buddhist Door Global

Buddhist monks held an interfaith prayer service for Pope Francis at Agrashravaka Temple of the Mahabodhi Buddhist community in Colombo on 25 February. The temple, considered one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, was visited by Pope Francis in 2015. During that visit, he became only the second pope in history to enter the temple, where he observed Buddhist monks chanting and praying. In a rare gesture of respect, the temple’s relic casket, typically displayed only once a year, was opened for the Pope to venerate.

At the service last week, the monks offered flowers and drinks to [the] Buddha, paused in meditation and recited passages from the scriptures of their faith. They asked for the Buddha’s guidance, for wisdom and compassiony,” explained the head of the Communications Office of the Episcopal Conference of Sri Lanka, Father Krishantha Fernando. In front of them was a picture of Pope Francis visiting this monastery.” (Agenzia Fides)

We were very touched by this spontaneous gesture of our Buddhist friends,” Father Fernando added. Pope Francis, with his attitude of dialogue and sincere fraternity toward all, left a legacy of empathy and closeness that we still feel here today and that is reflected in a fruitful way in our relations with Buddhists and other faith communities.” (Agenzia Fides)

With Pope Francis hospitalized and in critical condition with a severe respiratory infection, interfaith leaders worldwide have extended prayers and messages of support. The 88-year-old pontiff, who was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on 14 February, is receiving treatment for pneumonia in both lungs and a complex polymicrobial respiratory infection.

While support has come from within the Catholic Church, religious leaders from Buddhist, Jewish, and Muslim communities have also expressed well-wishes. Messages have been shared by prominent figures across religious traditions, underscoring the pope’s longstanding commitment to interfaith dialogue.

Buddhist leaders in Sri Lanka and beyond have joined in prayers for the pontiff’s health. Similarly, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, the spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians, was among the first to send well wishes. In a handwritten letter, he expressed prayers for the Pope’s quick return to his important and sacred duties.” (The Catholic Herald)

Imam Yahya Sergio Yahe Pallavicini of Mecca, an advocate for interfaith dialogue, praised the pope as a champion of dialogue between Christians and Muslims,” while Noemi Di Segni, President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, acknowledged Pope Francis’s contributions to interfaith understanding, stating, Francis’s voice and actions are a key reference point for interfaith dialogue and all of humanity.” (The Catholic Herald)

Within the Catholic Church, leaders from both Latin and Eastern traditions have voiced their prayers and support. Cardinal Béchara Boutros Pierre Raï, Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites in Lebanon, has offered public and private prayers for the Pope Francis’s recovery. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, called on the faithful to unite as one family in faith” in an appeal for the pope’s well-being.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also conveyed his support in a conversation with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on 21 February. Guterres stressed how important the Pope is, not only for the Church, but also for the whole world.” (The Catholic Herald)

Pope Francis was initially hospitalized for bronchitis, which later led to the diagnosis of a more severe respiratory infection involving bacterial, viral, and fungal elements. In recent days, his condition has worsened, requiring high-flow oxygen support due to a respiratory crisis. Doctors have reported additional complications, including anemia and a drop in blood platelet levels that necessitated transfusions.

Medical professionals are also monitoring mild kidney damage, although it has not yet reached a critical stage. However, concerns remain about the risk of sepsis due to the complexity of ope Francis’s infection and the extensive medications he is receiving.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has prioritized engagement with other religious communities, reinforcing interfaith cooperation as a central theme of his leadership. His efforts have included historic meetings with leaders from various faiths, including visits to mosques, synagogues, and Buddhist temples.

As the Pope continues to receive treatment, religious leaders and others worldwide remain united in prayer and support, reflecting the broad support he has garnered across faith traditions and beyond.