By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India on June 20 dismissed as fake a message about Pope Francis health being circulated on social media platforms.
“We assure you that the Holy Father is well and there is not the least concern about his health,” says a message from Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, secretary general of the conference.
The Indian Church official said the Pope is “well and fine and has spoken in the general audience” in the Vatican on June 20.
Bishop Mascarenhas urged people not to circulate or forward the “fake” message.
“Prayers for the Holy Father and his mission are always recommended,” he added.
The message circulated on Whatsapp says Pope Francis needs “our prayers” because the pontiff has suffered from illness and fallen down twice in a month. “Pope Francis has only one lungs because the other has been removed due to infections,” adds the message that asks Catholics and others to pray for the Pope so that he could continue his reforms and help the poor as the leader of the humanity.
The message also mentions a campaign to recite 10 million times the prayer Hail Mary for the Pope.