Chicago Catholics Pray for Pope Leo XIV After Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Chicago Catholics gathered outside Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home to pray for his health after lung cancer diagnosis.
2 min read
Catholic residents of Chicago gathered outside Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home in Dolton, Illinois, on Tuesday to pray for the pontiff’s health following his recent lung cancer diagnosis. The Pope, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, underwent surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, following the removal of his right lung’s lower lobe.
Community Unites in Prayer
The prayer vigil, organized by local Catholics, was held just a few miles from Chicago, where the Pope’s childhood home stands. Faithful members of the community expressed their deep concern and solidarity, viewing the Pope as both a spiritual leader and a fellow Chicagoan.
Joe Boland, chief mission officer of the Catholic Extension Society, told ABC7, “We see him as our pope, but we see him as a member of our community and a fellow Chicagoan, and because of that our prayers even more ardent today.” The gathering was attended by Vatican officials visiting the city, emphasizing the unity between the Church and the local community.
Support and Hope from the Faithful
Other members of the community, including Father Tom McCarthy, expressed their hope for the Pope’s recovery. McCarthy, a former provincial of the Midwest Augustinian Province, said, “Everyone’s praying. It’s been very wonderful.”
Natalie Debartolomeis and Deanna Ludwin, both members of the Catholic community, emphasized the importance of unity in prayer, stating, “We hope fellow Catholics remain united in prayer,” and “we are praying for the pope’s recovery, expressing our wishes for a complete recovery, and noting our appreciation for everything he’s trying to do to bring people together, all humans together.”
Vatican Updates on Pope’s Condition
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo XIV had a “calm night” after his surgery and is expected to remain in the hospital for approximately one week. The surgery, which lasted about 90 minutes, was successful, with no complications reported. The Pope awoke normally and returned to his room on the tenth floor of the hospital after observation.
Post-operative exams on the removed tissue are scheduled for the coming days. The Vatican has not yet released further updates on the Pope’s condition, but the community remains hopeful and united in their prayers for his recovery.
Source: Breitbart
