Political and religious leaders responded with prayers and messages of support after the Vatican announced on Tuesday that Pope Leo XIV had undergone surgery for lung cancer. The U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres wished the pope a speedy recovery and said his thoughts and prayers were with the Catholic community worldwide. The Vatican stated the 90-minute procedure successfully removed part of the pope's right lung.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a Catholic, wrote that Pope Leo XIV is an inspiration to Catholics worldwide and a voice for peace, humanity, and reason. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife prayed for the pope, asking the Lord to give him strength and guide the medical professionals. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops urged the faithful to pray for the pope and his caregivers, as well as all living with cancer and their families.
Ronald A. Hicks, Archbishop of New York, and Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco, and Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, all wished the pontiff well and called for prayers for his recovery and medical team.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing