Catholics around the world have continued to send their prayers and best wishes following the announcement by Pope Leo XIV that he would undergo surgery this week to remove a lung nodule.
Addressing Catholics gathered for the Angelus at the Vatican on Sunday, the Pope disclosed that his doctors had found a “localised nodule” in his lung and that he would undergo surgery in a few days.
He added that the nodule was detected at a very early stage and was well localised.
Following the discovery, he said his doctors had recommended surgery and that he would follow their advice.
The operation will take place at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome.
The Pope consequently called for prayers ahead of the surgery.
He said, “Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localised nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localised.
“The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it. The operation is already scheduled to take place in the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers.”
The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, specifically stated that the operation was scheduled for the first days of the week and that the estimated post-operative recovery time would be about one week.
Catholic faithful, Christians and people of different faiths and nations heeded the Pope’s call, as prayers and wishes for a successful surgery circulated on social media on Sunday.
On X, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in a statement by its president, Archbishop Paul Coakley, prayed that God would guide the surgery.
The statement read, “The bishops of the United States join with the faithful and all people of good will in praying for his good health. May the hand of Pope Leo’s surgeons be guided by the divine physician Jesus Christ. Please find a moment today, as I will, to offer a prayer for Pope Leo and his care team.”
During Mass on Sunday, the Bishop of Fort Worth, Texas, Michael Olson, urged parishioners to include the Holy Father and his medical team in their prayers.
The Archbishop of Malta and Adjunct Secretary of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Charles Scicluna, said the church in Malta was united in solidarity and prayer as the Pope prepared for his surgery.
“The Church in Malta is united in prayer for the Holy Father, wishing him well for the surgery he will be undergoing,” he wrote on X.
In Uruguay, the Archbishop of Montevideo, Cardinal Daniel Sturla, called for prayers for the Pope’s speedy recovery ahead of his scheduled apostolic journey to the country in November.
“Let us pray for his swift recovery and continue preparing for his visit to our country with renewed enthusiasm,” he said.
In Italy, the President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, assured the Pope of the country’s prayers.
“We thank Pope Leo for the simplicity and trust with which he has allowed us to share in this trial.
“We are one family: Holy Father, you are not alone,” Zuppi said.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella also sent a message to the Pope, conveying his “affectionate expression of concern” on behalf of not only Catholics but also all Italians.
He said, “In addition to the prayers of the Catholic faithful, the Pope will be able to count on the heartfelt thoughts of countless people, in Italy and throughout the world, whether believers or non-believers.”
A Nigerian priest, Ugochukwu Ugwoke, also took to his X handle to offer a series of prayers for Pope Leo, praying for a successful surgery and renewed strength.
One of the prayers read, “Heavenly Father, we entrust Pope Leo XIV to your loving care as he prepares for surgery. Through the intercession of St Raphael the Archangel, your messenger of healing, grant him a successful surgery, a speedy recovery, renewed strength, and complete healing. May Your hand sustain him and your peace console him.”