Prayers urged for Pope Leo after lung cancer diagnosis

The leader of Catholics in England and Wales has called on people to pray for the Pope’s recovery after the pontiff was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Pope Leo XIV’s health condition was confirmed on Tuesday after the Vatican said he had undergone a “successful” planned surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.

Lung adenocarcinoma is a common type of lung cancer.

The Vatican has cancelled all the Pope’s audiences through to October 20.

The 71-year-old is said to have spent a tranquil night in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome following his surgery.

Archbishop Richard Moth – who is Archbishop of Westminster and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales – asked people to pray that the Pope “may be restored to full health after a period of rest and recuperation”.

He said there was a sense of “gratitude and relief” on confirmation that the surgery had been successful.

He added: “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.”