In chilly Rome on February 24, Cardinal Raymond Burke prayed a rosary for Pope Francis, despite their complicated past. Fox News host and Catholic commentator Raymond Arroyo called it a “beautiful witness” of Christian charity.
Here’s Raymond Arroyo’s post about Cardinal Raymond Burke and Pope Francis:
Arroyo writes,
“If you’d like to know what Christian charity looks like. It looks like this. Cardinal Raymond Burke was one of the only American Cardinals braving the cold to pray a rosary for Pope Francis last night. This after the Pope removed him from his apartment, cut his salary, and publicly ridiculed Burke during his own health battle. What a beautiful witness he offered us all.”
Pope Francis’ Health Problems
Pope Francis, now 88, developed serious health problems over the years. Respiratory problems and past surgeries—like a big one in 2023—have slowed him down. He uses a wheelchair often, but keeps leading with grit and a smile. Still, Catholics worry. In Rome, citizens are holding rosary vigils to pray for his strength.
On February 24, Cardinal Burke and Cardinal Gerhard Müller joined in praying the rosary.
Journalist Diane Montagna tweeted: “Cardinals in Rome pray the Rosary once again this evening for #PopeFrancis.”
It’s a quiet, powerful way to support the Holy Father!
Pope Francis & Cardinal Burke’s Rocky Past
Their feud peaked when Francis demoted Burke in 2014, and lately, he kicked Burke out of his Vatican apartment and cut his pay. Some say Francis even mocked Burke while he fought COVID-19 in 2021.
Yet, last night, Burke didn’t curse—he prayed. Catholics for Catholics praised him, saying, “The humility of Cardinal Burke is worthy of admiration… praying for Pope Francis.”
This isn’t just drama. It’s a lesson in truly living Jesus’ call to “love one another as I have loved you.”
Pope Francis’ health reminds us he’s human, and the rosaries show how Catholics rally in prayer. Burke’s choice to pray for Francis, despite everything, is an important example in true Christian love.
Arroyo nailed it:
“If you’d like to know what Christian charity looks like, it looks like this.” It’s not loud or flashy—just a guy with a rosary, showing love beats bitterness.
Let us pray for Pope Francis as he battles his ongoing health issues.
Featured image credit: Raymond Arroyo, Twitter / Catholic for Catholics, Twitter
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