Sri Lankan Buddhists offer special prayer for Pope Francis’ recovery

Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka have offered a special puja (worship) ritual praying for Pope Francis' speedy recovery from double pneumonia.

Father Jude Krishantha Fernando, head of the Communications Office of the Episcopal Conference of Sri Lanka, was at the prayer service at the Agrashravaka Temple in Colombo.

During a puja ritual, monks bow before the image of Buddha while pausing in meditation, reading from their scriptures, and offering flowers, water, and food.

This prayer is not performed to honor the gods but as a sign of commitment to the Buddhist path.

In an interview with Agenzia Fides, Father Fernando said the monks placed a picture of Pope Francis visiting the Agrashravaka Temple as they performed the Puja ritual.

The Holy Father visited the temple during his apostolic visit to Sri Lanka in 2015.

Father Fernando expressed his gratitude for the “spontaneous gesture” of the Buddhist monks.

"Pope Francis, with his attitude of dialogue and sincere fraternity towards all, left a legacy of empathy and closeness that we still feel here today and that is reflected fruitfully in our relations with Buddhists and other faith communities,” he said.

Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14.

As of March 2, the Holy See Press Office said he remains stable.

“The Pope has not required non-invasive mechanical ventilation, but only supplemental high-flow oxygenation. He does not have a fever. Given the complexity of the clinical picture, the prognosis remains guarded,” the statement said.