Faithful gather in St. Peter's Square to pray for Pope Leo XIV after lung surgery
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle led a Mass in St. Peter's Square on October 14 as pilgrims from the United States, Mexico, Germany and India prayed for Pope Leo XIV, who is recovering at Rome's Gemelli hospital after surgery for lung cancer
Pilgrims from several countries prayed for the health of Pope Leo XIV on October 14 at a Mass in St. Peter's Square. The pope was hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic after surgery the day before. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, dean of the College of Cardinals, presided at the Mass, which closed a meeting marking the 10th anniversary of the apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia.
Father Roland Elsner, of the Diocese of Görlitz in Germany, said what was to have been an audience with the pope had instead become a time of prayer together. He invited those present to pray a decade of the Rosary for the pope. Tagle also spoke, stressing the importance of prayer at a time of uncertainty.
Pilgrims from around the world
Robin Weeks, a pilgrim from South Carolina, said the group learned of the pope's hospitalization while they were in Italy. Far from being discouraged, they decided to attend the Mass to pray for the pope and for everyone in the world in need of support and prayer.
José Zozaya, from Mexico, said he hoped to see the pope back in St. Peter's Square soon. Father Michael Antony, who had traveled from India, urged everyone to join in prayer that the pope would return to his see and keep guiding the Church with the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Prayers for a return to public activity
The Mass drew many of the faithful. Those who attended said they hoped Leo XIV would be able to resume his public activities and celebrations as soon as possible.
A histological examination confirmed a lung adenocarcinoma, and surgeons removed the lower lobe of the right lung to take out the tumor completely. The Holy See Press Office gave the details in a statement signed by the pope's personal physician, Luigi Carbone, and Professor Stefano Margaritora. Blood tests and a chest X-ray carried out that morning confirmed a normal recovery, with values within the range expected after this kind of operation. The pope has begun respiratory physiotherapy following the video-assisted surgery. All papal audiences scheduled through October 20 have been canceled, and the hospital stay is expected to last about a week. His apostolic trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, set for November 6 to 17, remains on the schedule.
