Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, on Monday prayed for the quick recovery of the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, since February 14, 2025.
"Let us all pray for Pope Francis, who is being treated at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. May he recover quickly," Minister Umar said here.
He made the statement while delivering the keynote speech at a Peace Forum with President Prabowo Subianto's supporters at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta.
Umar described the Pope as an "extraordinary friend of humanity." Pope Francis has dedicated himself to the people, committing his life to humanitarian efforts, he said.
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"He is an extraordinary friend of humanity. He has devoted himself to serving the people," he added.
Previous reports indicated that Pope Francis' condition remained critical and according to a medical report released by the Vatican Press Office on Saturday evening local time, he was not fully "out of danger."
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"Pope Francis experienced a severe asthmatic respiratory crisis this morning, requiring high-flow oxygen therapy," the report said.
Blood tests conducted on Saturday showed symptoms of thrombocytopenia, related to anemia, which requires a blood transfusion to treat, it added.
The Pope remained conscious and was able to sit in a chair, but was reported to be "suffering more than yesterday."
In September 2024, Pope Francis made an apostolic journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.
Indonesia was the first country he visited during his trip to the Asia-Pacific region. He was in the country from September 3–6, 2024.
