WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV announced to those gathered for the Sunday Angelus that he would soon undergo surgery to remove a localized nodule in his lung. Upon hearing the news, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, offered his prayers for the Holy Father and for those caring for him:

“[Sunday] morning, the Holy Father announced he will undergo surgery for a lung nodule in the coming days. The bishops of the United States join with the faithful and all people of good will in praying for his good health. May the hand of Pope Leo’s surgeons be guided by the divine physician Jesus Christ. Please find a moment today, as I will, to offer a prayer for Pope Leo and his care team.”