MANILA, Philippines — Senator Leila de Lima on Sunday disclosed that Pope Francis had given her a “beautiful” rosary after she sent the pontiff a handwritten letter before her birthday last August.
During a Mass at the at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City where she has been detained since February, De Lima told family members, friends and supporters that she had requested the pope to pray for her and the Filipino people “especially for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings in the country” and those “suffering from abuses and injustices since Duterte launched his government’s all-out war on drugs.”
After her request, the Holy Father sent her the rosary through the PNP’s chaplain, who last Nov. 22 personally paid a visit to the senator and handed her the string of beads, which was coursed through the Papal Nuncio.
“According to the Chaplain, Pope Francis was able to read my letter and assured that he is praying for me,” she said in a dispatch from Camp Crame.
“I cannot thank Pope Francis enough for his thoughtfulness. I’m deeply, deeply touched by the Pope’s gesture,” De Lima said.
“This gift will constantly remind me that, despite the political persecution I am experiencing right now at the hands of a vengeful President. I should keep the faith and fight tirelessly for the welfare of the Filipino people,” the lawmaker added.
