MANILA Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula is praying for the full recovery of Pope Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI.

In a radio interview, Cardinal Advincula voiced hope that the former pope will experience, especially at Christmastime, the protection of Jesus.

“May Pope Benedict XVI experience the presence of Jesus who is our light and savior during this holiday season. Let us entrust him to God and to the protection of the Blessed Virgin,” the prelate said.

Advincula echoed the earlier request made by Pope Francis, who asked for prayers for his 95-year-old predecessor whose health has deteriorated in the last few days.

“I asked that we include Pope Benedict XVI in the intentions of our Masses, let’s join together in prayer, Holy Hour, and rosary,” he said.

The former Pope, whose name is Joseph Ratzinger, was elected in 2005, succeeding Saint Pope John Paul II.

He resigned from office in 2013, the first to do so after many years, citing health concerns.

The other Philippine bishops who also asked the public for prayers were San Jose Nueva Ecija Bishop Roberto Mallari and Kidapawan Bishop Jose Collin Bagaforo

The Diocese of Rome has also sought prayers for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. It called on “parish communities, chaplaincies, religious men and women, all the faithful of the diocese and all the men and women of good will who live in Rome,” to gather in prayer for Benedict XVI.

The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said on Friday that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s health condition remains stable at this time, according to the Vatican News. Bruni said the pope emeritus participated in the celebration of mass in his room on Thursday.