Christian leaders unite in prayer for Pope Leo XIV
Vatican News
Soon after Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday that he will undergo surgery this week, prayers have poured in from Christian leaders for his quick recovery.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, promised on X to hold Pope Leo in prayer over the coming days, asking for God’s protection, closeness, and care.
“With Christians across the country and around the world, I pray for the Pope’s swift recovery,” she wrote.
Archbishop Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, also called for special prayers.
“I have sent a message on behalf of all in the Catholic Church in England and Wales, assuring him of our prayers,” he said.
Asian bishops call communities to prayer
In Thailand, Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, told LiCAS News that he was surprised, having met the Pope only days earlier.
He invited Catholics throughout Thailand to express their spiritual closeness and prayed that Jesus Christ, the divine physician, would guide the surgeons.
Bishop Peter Suphot Roeksujarit of Chiang Mai invoked the Blessed Mother’s protection. “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,” he said.
In the Philippines, Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, asked Bishops and priests to offer Mass for the Pope’s successful operation and recovery.
He also encouraged religious communities, families, and the faithful to offer the Rosary, daily sacrifices, and acts of charity for his healing.
“Let us pray that the Lord may guide his surgeons and all who care for him, sustain him with strength and peace, and restore him to health,” he said.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos praised the Pope’s openness as an expression of “a humble and trusting leadership,” assuring him of spiritual closeness and support.
Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo likewise promised prayers and Masses, asking God to guide the medical team’s hands, minds, and hearts.
Masses and prayers in North America
In the United States, Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, invited the people of the Pope’s birthplace diocese, to pray for his swift and complete recovery.
He invoked the Holy Spirit’s guidance for the surgeons and the Blessed Mother’s care for Pope Leo.
Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, said he had joined Bishops from around the world in prayer in St. Peter’s Basilica. He asked every priest in his Archdiocese to offer Mass for the Pope’s health.
In Canada, the Archdiocese of Toronto invited the faithful to pray for the operation, the medical professionals, and a full recovery.
The message concluded with an invocation to Mary: “Our Lady, Health of the Sick, pray for our shepherd.”
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