Coronavirus: Irish church leaders offer prayers for Prime Minster Boris Johnson as he battles Covid-19 in intensive care

Mr Johnson, 55, spent the night in intensive care at a central London hospital after his Coronavirus symptoms worsened.

The Archbishop-elect of Armagh and Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd John McDowell, this morning remembered the Prime Minister in an audio prayer shared online.

Bishop McDowell said: “We pray this morning especially for Boris Johnson and his partner, Carrie Symonds, and the child that she carries. We pray that they would be safe in your hands.”

Yesterday Archbishop Eamon Martin, the Catholic Primate of All Ireland, tweeted a similar prayer.

“The admission into intensive care of Prime Minister Boris Johnson somehow brings graphically home to us the seriousness of Covid-19.” he said. “Let us remember him, and all those in hospital tonight, together with those who are caring for them. Draw near to them, Lord.”

The President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Rev Sam McGuffin also said he was praying on Monday night.

“My prayers, and those of our Methodist people across Ireland, are for him, his partner and family at this anxious time,” he said. “We are commending also in our prayers those caring for him in the excellent St Thomas’ Hospital and all who are likewise suffering and being cared for there”.

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rt Rev Dr William Henry, also offered his support.

Along with everyone who heard the news, I was shocked to hear that the Prime Minister has been admitted to hospital and was in intensive care as a result of Coronavirus,” he said.

“For many thousands of families across the UK and Ireland who have love ones in hospital as a result of this virus, this must be a deeply worrying time for them. Our political leaders carry a heavy burden of responsibility at the best of times, not least during times of national emergency, so our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Mr Johnson, his loved ones and wider family circle at this particular time and especially for the full recovery that we all hope and pray for.”

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Mr Johnson is “in very good hands. Mr Raab is standing in for the PM and chaired the government’s daily meeting today.

World leaders have sent messages to Mr Johnson wishing him well.

It comes as Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove became the latest politician to go into quarantine. Mr Gove said he was self-isolating at home, after a family member showed mild symptoms. He is not suffering any symptoms and will work from home.

A hashtag has been trending on twitter, #PrayForBoris, as people across the UK and world remember him in their prayers.

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