New Delhi (AsiaNews) – "The Church in India joins Christians around the world to pray for the Holy Father who has been our spiritual guide for 26 years". It was with these words that Card Telesphore Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi, called on the faithful to continue offering their prayers for the Pope's health. "Let us pray that God in His mercy grants him the strength to overcome this moment," he added.

The cardinal's words are echoed throughout India; special prayers and vigils are taking place in churches for the Pope's health.

"I was very saddened to hear about the worsening conditions of the Holy Father," Cardinal Toppo told AsiaNews. "As soon as we heard the news, Indian Catholics began organising vigils and Eucharistic adorations for his health. I, too, called on people to come to one last night".

In a pensive mood, the Cardinal remembered John Paul II when he came to India in 1986 and 1999 and "gave a boost to the Church in our country".

"Even in this moment when his physical suffering is at its peak, the Pope is evangelising among the faithful," said John Dayal, president All India Catholic Union, which represents the country's 16 million Catholics.

Dayal, too, could not avoid reminiscing about the Pontiff's two apostolic visits. "I was part of the organising group and I remember his appeal against anti-Christian violence. In 1999 his visit was strongly resisted by Hindu fundamentalists, but he did not waver".

When he was In Delhi, "he was suffering from a fever, yet he kept his engagements".

"The Holy Father welcomed the entire world as his family," Fr Babu Joseph, spokesman for the Conference of Bishops of India, said. "In his two trips to India John Paul II was not deterred by any opposition and he did not dilute the message of Christ he came to preach".

The Sisters of Mother Teresa of Kolkata (ex Calcutta), who was beatified in 2003, are offering a special prayer for the Pope's health. "We continue to pray that he may overcome his illness at this historic moment," Sister Christie said.

Although Christians are but 2 per cent of India's population local media have given the Pope's deteriorating health conditions front page coverage.