President Marcos Jr. has joined Catholics worldwide in praying for the recovery of Pope Leo XIV following the pontiff’s successful surgery to remove a lung nodule.
“The entire Filipino nation joins the Catholic faithful around the world in praying for the swift and full recovery of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Marcos Jr. said in a statement.
“We look forward to his return to good health and to his continued spiritual leadership, guidance and blessings for the faithful,” he added.
The 71-year-old pope underwent the operation on Tuesday in Rome. The Vatican said the surgery was successful and his “recovery is proceeding as planned.”
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has also called on Filipino Catholics to offer prayers and Masses for the pontiff’s healing.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, was elected head of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, succeeding Pope Francis.IMT
