Pope prays for ill baby Charlie Gard and parents

The Vatican also said in a statement Monday evening that Francis 'feels especially close to them at this time of immense suffering.'

The parents of critically ill baby Charlie Gard, Connie Yates and Chris Gard, arrive at the High Court in London on July 24, 2017. The parents of the 11-month old, who has a rare genetic condition and brain damage, are returning to court for the latest stage in their effort to seek permission to take the child to the United States for medical treatment. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Pope Francis recites the Angelus noon prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St.Peter’s Square at the Vatican on July 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

LONDON (AP) — Pope Francis is praying for Charlie Gard, the critically ill baby who is hospitalized in Britain, and the 11-month-old boy’s parents.

The Vatican also said in a statement Monday evening (July 24) that Francis “feels especially close to them at this time of immense suffering.”


Francis, who had previously expressed support for the parents in their bid to seek an experimental medical treatment for their son’s rare genetic condition, also asked the faithful to join him in prayer so the baby’s parents “may find God’s consolation and love.”

A few hours earlier, the parents, Connie Yates and Chris Gard, dropped their legal battle to send their child to the United States for the treatment, acknowledging that the window of opportunity to help him had closed.

Recent tests found Charlie has irreversible muscular damage.

Donate to Support Independent Journalism!

Donate Now!