The Pope reveals that Spanish Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot “is at the end of his life” and asks for prayers for him

The Pope has revealed that the Spanish Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, “is very ill” and “he is at the end of his life”.

Francisco made these statements upon receiving private audience to an international Jain delegation in the Vatican on the occasion of their meeting coordinated by the London Institute of Jainism on the issues of diversity and inclusion.

The Spanish Comboni priest72 years old, who heads the dicastery in charge of relations with other religions, has been in a delicate state of health for several years. The Pontiff has asked for prayers for him.

The Pope jokes about his health

Furthermore, in another audience, the Pope, who will turn 88 on December 17, joked about his health conditions. «My work is very fast, […] but my bike has aged and no longer works well«said the Pope when receiving the members of the Italian Motorcycling Federation at the Vatican.

During the brief meeting at the Apostolic Palace, the Pope invited them to raise awareness among the population “about the rules of the Highway Code.” “You too, please pray for me, I need prayers,” he assured.