Pope Leo XIV said on Sunday that he will undergo Pope Leo surgery this week. The announcement quickly drew prayer appeals from church leaders in England and Wales, Thailand, the Philippines, the United States, and Canada.
Sarah Mullally wrote, “With Christians across the country and around the world, I pray for the Pope’s swift recovery,” and Richard Moth said, “I have sent a message on behalf of all in the Catholic Church in England and Wales, assuring him of our prayers.” The response gave the announcement an immediate pastoral reach, with leaders asking for protection, healing, and strength rather than offering any medical detail.
Thailand and the Philippines
Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana said, “I was surprised, having met the Pope only days earlier.” The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Thailand invited Catholics throughout Thailand to express their spiritual closeness and prayed that Jesus Christ would guide the surgeons.
Peter Suphot Roeksujarit added, “May the Blessed Mother protect him and remain by his side, allowing him to feel the love and prayers of his children around the world,” while Gilbert Garcera called on bishops and priests in the Philippines to offer Mass for the Pope’s successful operation and recovery. Garcera also urged religious communities, families, and the faithful to offer the Rosary, daily sacrifices, and acts of charity for Pope Leo XIV’s healing.
United States and Canada
Gerardo Alminaza described the Pope’s openness as an expression of humble and trusting leadership. In the United States, Ruperto Santos asked God to guide the medical team’s hands, minds, and hearts, while Blase Cupich invited the people of the Pope’s birthplace diocese to pray for his swift and complete recovery.
Robert McElroy said he had 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. The Archdiocese of Toronto also invited the faithful to pray for the operation, the medical professionals, and a full recovery.
The announcement leaves one practical point open: the exact timing of the surgery this week. For readers following the response, the next development will come from how the prayers translate into Masses, the Rosary, and other acts of support already being urged in England and Wales, Thailand, the Philippines, the United States, and Canada.
