Former Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor, seriously ill in hospital

The former Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor is seriously ill and in hospital.

His successor Cardinal Vincent Nichols sent a letter on Saturday (19 August) asking the bishops of England and Wales to remember the cardinal in their prayers.

“These loving prayers are a source of great strength and comfort as he calmly ponders on all that lies ahead, all in God’s good time,” Cardinal Nichols wrote.

“May the Lord strengthen him in faith and trust and may the prayers of the Church, which he loves so much, comfort and uphold him,” continued the letter, which is quoted by Bishop Richard Moth in a statement posted on the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton website.

Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor served as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton for nearly 23 years before being appointed Archbishop of Westminster in 2000.

“As we all know, Cardinal Cormac holds this Diocese in great affection and will, I know, value the prayers of us all at this time,” added Bishop Moth.

PICTURE: Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor speaks to the media at the Bishop's Conference of England, London in 2015