On the same day, he received a phone call from Pope Leo XIV, who assured him of his prayers and closeness, as reported by the Vatican News portal (Thursday).
Awake and conscious, but still weakened after his hospitalisation, Cardinal Karlic was unable to speak during the phone call, Cathedral Vicar Eduardo Tanger told local media.
However, the second oldest member of the College of Cardinals was very moved by the Pope's gesture, with whom he has a long-standing friendship.
Karlic has been associated with the Augustinian Order, of which the current Pope was Superior General, since 2005.
During his trips to Rome, Karlic often stayed at the Augustinian General House, where he got to know Robert Prevost better.