A bishop who claimed to have received death threats for criticizing the Philippine government’s “total war” on drugs has received a boost from Pope Francis.

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan said his “eyes blurred with tears” when the pontiff told him that he was aware of what he was enduring.

“I want you to know that I know your situation. I know what you are going through. I am praying for you,” the prelate quoted the pope as saying.

Bishop David was in Rome last week with other Filipino prelates for an audience with Pope Francis.

The meeting, which happens every five years, is obligatory for bishops who must visit the “threshold of the apostles” to report on the state of their dioceses or prelatures.

Bishop David said he was surprised when at the end of the meeting the pontiff stopped him and gave him a special blessing.

“I was ready to step out already when he held my arm and said, ‘Wait. Please let me give you a special blessing. I want you to know I am with you as you face trials in your ministry in your diocese,’” Bishop David posted on his Facebook account.

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