Pope 'spiritually' close to Cory

MANILA, Philippines -- Pope Benedict XVI said he is "spiritually" close to and praying for the cancer-stricken former President Corazon Aquino in her "suffering." 

In an interview with CBCPNews, former Philippine ambassador to the Vatican Henrietta de Villa said this was the gist of the Holy See’s message through a letter of the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines’ Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams.

"The Holy Father has asked that you be informed that he is remembering you in his prayers," the letter read. 

De Villa said the Papal message, issued by the Apostolic Nunciature in the Philippines, was penned when Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, was personally informed about her deteriorating health. 

De Villa yesterday delivered the Pope's communique to the bed-ridden Mrs. Aquino at the Makati Medical Center. She said a grandson of the former chief executive read the Papal message to her. 

"She (Mrs. Aquino) was deeply consoled," said De Villa, also heads the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting an election watchdog. 

A Holy Mass, celebrated by Fr. Catalino Arevalo, was also held inside the hospital room of Mrs. Aquino, who had daughters Balsy and Pinky, with her. Also present were Mrs. Aquino’s doctor, nurses and Makati Rep. Teodoro Locsin Jr., de Villa said. 

"The Mass is her sustaining comfort now. It was such a privilege sharing the Eucharist in her presence. Even in her sick bed looking so incredibly weak, she exuded an aura of a peaceful yet powerful presence -- the presence of the simplicity of absolute goodness," de Villa said.

"Every now there seems to be no sacrifice that is so great that she has not offered to God for our country, that she continues to offer to God."

Last Sunday, Aquino family members said the former President's health has deteriorated. 

"She is in pain already, so please pray for her so that it could be lessened," Kristina Bernadette Aquino, one of her daughters, said.

Family members also said Mrs. Aquino, 76, had given up all medical intervention, including chemotherapy, and was leaving her fate to God.