Leaders of the Catholic Church in the Philippines offered their prayers for the recovery of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, following calls from Pope Francis during a general audience in the Vatican on Wednesday.

In a message to Daily Tribune, Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said he encouraged priests within the Diocese of Kalookan to include special intentions for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in daily mass intentions.

"Pope Benedict XVI has practically lived a contemplative life since he retired from the papacy. He has lived a life of prayer and solitude, consciously supporting Pope Francis spiritually," David said.

Meanwhile, Caritas Philippines national director and Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo offered prayers for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in an audio broadcast on Radyo Veritas 846.