U.S. Bishops Urge Prayer for Pope Leo Ahead of Surgery
The Holy Father announced after the Angelus that doctors found a small lung nodule; the procedure is scheduled at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday, Oct. 11, that he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a small nodule discovered in his lung.
Speaking to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square after the Angelus, the Holy Father said doctors had found the nodule during recent exams and advised surgical removal. The procedure is scheduled at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, with about one week of recovery expected. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed the details to reporters.
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement the same day inviting American Catholics to pray for the pope.
“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,” Archbishop Coakley said.
He urged the faithful to offer a prayer for the Holy Father and his care team. The appeal comes as the Church in the United States continues its focus on prayer and support for the pope amid the early challenges of his papacy.