Pope Francis prays for Shimon Peres to have a full recovery after stroke

The two last met in June when the former president visited the pontiff at the Vatican.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Updated: SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 19:43
POPE FRANCIS and former president Shimon Peres chat at the Vatican (photo credit: Courtesy)
POPE FRANCIS and former president Shimon Peres chat at the Vatican
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Pope Francis last week sent former president Shimon Peres a personal letter wishing him a speedy recovery after suffering a severe hemorrhagic stroke Tuesday night.
In the letter, the pope wrote that he had "prayed for strength for the [Peres] family and for a full recovery.”
In addition, the former Israel president's office said that the Pope held "a special prayer for Peres along with Rabbi Abraham Skorka of Argentina. They prayed together and asked to convey their warm well-wishes and prayers for a speedy and full recovery.”
The two last met in June when Peres met the pontiff at the Vatican. The Pope, who embraced Peres upon arrival, told him that together they would raise their voices for peace.
US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump was also among the high-profile figures that wrote to the former president following his stroke, wishing Peres a "swift recovery."
"You are among the last of a generation of leaders who fought for the right of the Jewish people to shape their own destiny and your legacy stands tall," Trump wrote.
The 93-year-old Peres on Sunday was reported to be in "serious but stable condition" following a series of tests. Doctors at Tel Aviv's Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer decided to gradually reduce the sedation of Peres and at the same time try to wean him gradually from his respirator.
Only the week prior to the incident, he had undergone placement of a cardiac pacemaker at Tel Aviv's Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer. He was discharged in good condition. He returned to the hospital for a checkup, but suddenly suffered a stroke.
Judy Siegel-Itzkovich, Greer Fay Cashman and Tovah Lazaroff contributed to this report.