Christian Leaders Call for Prayer after Pope Leo's Lung Cancer Diagnosis

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Faith leaders around the world are calling for prayer for Pope Leo XIV after the Vatican announced he had been diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.

The Vatican revealed that the 90-minute operation on Tuesday “was successful and there were no complications,” and that he was subsequently walking around the room and eating normally.

Pope Leo told the public on Sunday that doctors had discovered a “localized nodule” in his lung and that he was set to undergo surgery in the coming days. The operation took place at Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis expressed gratitude for the successful surgery while acknowledging that he had hoped for a different diagnosis.

“While I had been praying that the diagnosis would not be cancer, I am grateful that his doctors were able to successfully remove the affected portion of his lung without any complications,” Hebda said.

Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of the Philippines asked believers to “pray that the Lord may guide his surgeons and all who care for him, sustain him with strength and peace, and restore him to health as he continues to shepherd the universal Church.”

Anglican Archbishop Sarah Mullally of Canterbury also offered prayers for the pope’s healing and recovery.

“I pray that the Holy Spirit — the Comforter, Healer and Giver of Life — will sustain him in the days and weeks ahead, and that his recovery will be swift and complete,” Mullally said.

The pope thanked Christians around the world for their prayers on Wednesday.

“As you know, I have been unable to be among you during these days,” Pope Leo said. “I thank you warmly for your prayers and for the work you have done together. Your sharing of experiences and attentive listening are indeed a gift to the whole Church. I ask you please to pray for me, as I pray for you.”

Although smoking is a leading risk factor for lung cancer, the disease can also develop in people who have never smoked. The pope has no known history of smoking.

 Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Vatican Pool/Contributor

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

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