Even Pope Benedict XVI is praying for the recovery of cancer-stricken former President Corazon Aquino.

Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams said the Pope’s message to Aquino was relayed to him by Cardinal Tarciso Bertone, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.

“Cardinal Bertone has communicated that the Pope is spiritually close to your Excellency in your suffering,” he said.

“The Holy Father has asked that you be informed that he is remembering you in his prayers. At the same time, he invokes upon you the blessing of Almighty God Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in pledge of healing and comfort,” added Adams.

Adams, for his part, also assured the former president of his prayers, as well as continued Masses for her.

Meanwhile, former Ambassador to the Holy See Henrietta De Villa revealed that Mrs. Aquino was already informed of the Pope’s message last Wednesday.

“I delivered the letter to President Cory yesterday afternoon, and her grandson read the message to her. She was deeply consoled,” she said.

De Villa said she felt privileged because when she visited, a mass was also being held at Aquino’s bedside, attended by her family and friends.

“It was such a privilege sharing the Eucharist in her presence. Even in her sickbed looking so incredibly weak, she exuded an aura of a peaceful yet powerful presence—the presence of the simplicity of absolute goodness,” she said.

Mrs. Aquino was diagnosed with colon cancer in March, 2008 and is under a 24-hour observation by her doctors at the Makati Medical Center, where she has been confined since last June 25.