Church leaders worldwide pray for Pope Leo after his lung operation

Prayers for the Sick at Lourdes. ©ICN/JS

Church leaders from around the world have publicly expressed their prayers and support for Pope Leo after his recent operation to remove a lung nodule.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally who travelled to Rome to meet the Pope in April, said: "My daily prayers remain with Pope Leo XIV following his cancer diagnosis, and I assure the Holy Father and the Catholic faithful of the prayers of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion."

Archbishop Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, said:

"It is with gratitude and relief that we learned that Pope Leo's surgery on Tuesday (13 October) at Rome's Gemelli Hospital was successful. We now know that Pope Leo was diagnosed with lung carcinoma and, in this month of the Holy Rosary, we entrust his recovery to the maternal care of Our Lady Health of the Sick.

"I ask that Catholics in England and Wales, and indeed all people of goodwill, pray for Pope Leo - in our homes and in our parishes - that he may be restored to full health after a period of rest and recuperation.

"We also remember all those who are experiencing illness at this time, and keep them, their families and those who care for the sick in our prayers."

In the United States, Archbishop Paul S Coakley of Oklahoma City president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, has promised prayers for Pope Leo's good health and asked the faithful across America to pray for the Pope and his care team.

Cardinal Blaise Cupich of Chicago, Pope Leo's home town, has invited people to pray for the Pope's swift and complete recovery, invoking the Holy Spirit's guidance for the surgeons and the Blessed Mother's care.

Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington joined bishops from around the world in prayer in St Peter's Basilica and asked every priest in his Archdiocese to offer Mass for the Pope's health.

Archbishop Mitchell T Rozanski of St Louis has asked all people of good will to join in prayer for Pope Leo and those caring for him.

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops said they are united with the faithful in prayer for Pope Leo's health, seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick, for his prompt recovery.

Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Thailand has invited Catholics throughout Thailand to pray for the Pope's speedy recovery. Bishop Peter Suphot Roeksujarit of Chiang Mai, Thailand especially has invoked the Blessed Mother's protection for the Pope.

Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of the Philippines has asked bishops, priests, religious communities, families, and the faithful to offer the Rosary, daily sacrifices, and acts of charity for the Pope's healing.