by Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- U.S. church leaders urged prayers for the health of Pope John Paul II, who was rushed to a Rome hospital Feb. 1 because he had difficulty breathing.

"I ask Catholics and others to join with the bishops of the United States in prayer for our Holy Father's comfort and health," said Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"He is a beloved figure who especially loves the church in the United States and appreciates our concern," the bishop said in a statement issued shortly after he learned of the pope's hospitalization.

The pope's condition stabilized Feb. 2 and he was able to concelebrate Mass from his hospital bed, according to the Vatican spokesman, Joaquin Navarro-Valls. He told reporters in Rome that the pontiff "was able to rest for several hours during the night, he was able to sleep."

Detroit Cardinal Adam J. Maida, who was at the Vatican for meetings when the pope was hospitalized, asked Detroit Catholics to keep the pope in their prayers.

"Lord, our God, you always provide your church with a chief shepherd to guide us in the ways of faith and hope. Look kindly on our Holy Father and embrace him with your merciful love," said Cardinal Maida in a statement.

Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington issued a statement from Dublin, Ireland, where he was participating in a conference on aid to developing countries.

"We are all praying for the Holy Father that the Lord will give him the help to overcome this latest illness and to continue to serve the church with wisdom and strength," said Cardinal McCarrick.

Cardinal Edward M. Egan of New York, at a Feb. 2 morning Mass in St. Patrick's Cathedral, asked people to remember the pope in their prayers. He compared the pope to Peter, the first pope, who was fulfilled when he received Christ, just as Pope John Paul received Christ through the Eucharist at a Feb. 2 morning Mass in the hospital.

At the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, all six Masses on Feb. 2 included a petition in the prayers of the faithful "for the pope's comfort and strength," said Peter Sonski, communications director for the basilica.

In a statement, Seattle Archbishop Alex J. Brunett also asked Catholics to pray for the pope and said that prayers for the pope's health would be included in the prayers of the faithful during weekend Masses in the archdiocese.

Bishop Joseph F. Martino of Scranton, Pa., urged Catholics to pray for the pope at Mass, "to devote time to periods of adoration in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament," and to entrust concerns for the pope's health to Mary by praying the rosary, said a diocesan statement.

Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Arlington, Va., asked "our clergy, religious and laity to remember the Holy Father in prayer."

Bishop Loverde, in a message to diocesan staff, said, "I am praying for the Holy Father's speedy recovery, that he might be strengthened to return to us and continue leading us in holiness and truth."

Bishop Loverde, in a message to diocesan staff, said, "I am praying for the Holy Father's speedy recovery, that he might be strengthened to return to us and continue leading us in holiness and truth."

"I know we will be joined by members of other faiths as well, but, surely, let us set an example of intercessory prayer for this man who has given his life for us and for the world," said Bishop D'Arcy, in a Feb. 2 letter to diocesan priests.