Whether warranted or not, it can not be denied Our Pope is beleaguered and, as ecclesiastical tradition teaches us, we have a duty to pray for the Pope and those of us who are the hardest on him and make the most demands of him, in justice, owe him our prayers and here is a prayer for the Pope that is good, true, and beautiful.
Prayer for the Pope by Pope Leo XIII
O Lord, we are millions of believers, humbly kneeling at They feet and begging Thee to preserve, defend and save the Sovereign Pontiff for many years. He is the Father of the great fellowship of souls and our Father as well. On this day, as on every day, he is praying for us, and is offering unto Thee with holy fervor the sacred Victim of love and peace.
Wherefore, O Lord, turn Thyself towards us with eyes of pity; for we are now, as it were, forgetful of ourselves, and praying above all for him. Do thou unite our prayers with his and receive them into the bosom of Thine infinite mercy, as a sweet savor of active and fruitful charity, whereby the children are united in the Church to their Father. All that he asks of Thee on this day, we too ask it of Thee in unison with him.
Whether he weeps or rejoices, whether he hopes or offers himself as a victim of charity for his people, we desire to be united with him; nay more, we desire that the cry of our hearts should be made one with his. Of They great mercy grant, O Lord, that not one of us may be far from his mind in the hour he prays and offers unto Thee the Sacrifice of Thy blessed Son. At the moment when our venerable High Priest, holding in his hands the very Body of Jesus Christ, shall say to the people over the Chalice of benediction these words: "The peace of the Lord be with you always," grant, O Lord, that They sweet peace may come down upon our hearts and upon all the nations with new and manifest power. Amen.