On Sunday, October 11, after the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square had prayed the Angelus with the Pope, Leo XIV shared something very personal with them. He calmly explained that during a routine checkup, doctors had discovered a small lump in his lung. Since it was found at a very early stage and the nodule was clearly defined, he decided to have it removed. This candor showed him to be a shepherd who did not wish to hide anything from his flock.
On Tuesday, October 13, the Holy Father arrived at the Agostino Gemelli Clinic in Rome, where he was greeted with applause and warm words. In the afternoon, a team led by Professor Stefano Margaritora removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung during a thoracoscopic surgery. In the evening, the Vatican announced that the operation had gone well and without complications. A histological examination performed during the surgery confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. The Pope recovered well from the anesthesia, was taken back to his room, and even asked for dinner—a small but heartwarming sign that brought relief to many.
On Wednesday morning, the Holy See’s press office issued a brief statement: “The night passed peacefully.” The Holy Father is expected to remain in the hospital for about a week, and all audiences have been canceled until October 20. The trip to South America scheduled for November has not yet been canceled, but the final decision will be made by the doctors.
New information is being added constantly, and the press office has promised to provide the next update later today. The most important information—the complete results of the histological examination of the removed tissue—is still pending, as further treatment depends on it. At present, all predictions are merely speculation, but a sense of cautious hope shines through in the Vatican’s statements.
Prayers are currently being offered for the Pope all over the world, from Rome to Chicago and Chiclayo. Let us join in this prayer as well.
Prayer for the Holy Father’s Health
Almighty and eternal God, Shepherd and Guide of all the faithful, look with mercy upon Your servant, our Pope Leo, whom You have appointed as shepherd of Your Church. Grant him, through Your grace, health and strength; ease his sufferings; and strengthen him in Your peace. Blessed Eduard Profittlich, faithful shepherd and martyr, who loved the Successor of Peter and remained faithful to him until death, pray to our Holy Father that he may continue to lead God’s people for a long time to come. May the Lord preserve him and grant him life and grace on earth, and may He not deliver him into the hands of the evil one. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
We invite all the faithful to pray the Rosary during these days for the recovery of Pope Leo XIV—whether alone, with family, or in the parish—and to entrust the Holy Father to the maternal care of the Virgin Mary, the Health of the Sick.