By Devin Watkins
Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that he has decided to undergo surgery at his doctors’ request to remove a “small, localized nodule in my lung,” which was detected at a “very early stage.”
Soon afterwards, people across the globe began sending their promises of prayers for his good health.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops posted a statement on X from Archbishop Paul Coakley, President of the US Bishops’ Conference.
“The bishops of the United States join with the faithful and all people of good will in praying for his good health,” he said. “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.”
Bishop Michael Olson, Bishop of Fort Worth, Texas, invited the faithful to pray for the Holy Father and his medical team as they worship God at Mass on Sunday.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta and Adjunct Secretary of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, shared the Church in Malta’s solidarity.
“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, Cardinal Daniel Sturla, Archbishop of Montevideo, called for prayers for the Pope’s quick 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.
The Uruguayan Bishops’ Conference said the Pope’s scheduled visit remains unchanged, and said preparations “continue with hope to welcome him to Uruguay and experience ‘great joy’ together.”
The Catholic Bishops of Peru released a statement praising Pope Leo’s “fortitude and humility” in sharing the news of his upcoming surgery.
“The Peruvian bishops invite all Catholics and people of goodwill to unite in prayer for the health of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, raising our petitions to God, the Lord of life and source of all health, that He may strengthen him and grant him the health he needs to fulfill his mission,” they wrote.
In Argentina, the Bishops’ Conference encouraged the faithful to remain spiritually united to the Pope, accompanying him “with our affection, closeness, and prayer, and entrusting him especially to the maternal care of the Virgin Mary.”
“We ask the Lord to grant him strength and peace at this time, that the operation may go well, and that he may make a swift and full recovery,” prayed the Argentine Bishops in a statement.
In Italy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, 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,” said the Cardinal. “We are one family: Holy Father, you are not alone!”
Italian President Sergio Mattarella sent a message to the Pope conveying his “affectionate expression of concern.”
“In addition to the prayers of the Catholic faithful,” said the Italian President, “he will be able to count on the heartfelt thoughts of countless people, in Italy and throughout the world, whether believers or non-believers.” – Vatican News
