King Charles Sends Private Letter to Pope Leo After Cancer Diagnosis

Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung in a planned operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican said the procedure was successful and without complications, and that the 71-year-old pontiff spent a tranquil night in hospital; his audiences were canceled through October 20. King Charles III is sending Leo a private letter of well-wishes; Charles is also receiving cancer treatment, and the two met and prayed publicly during the king’s Vatican visit last year. Catholics in West Michigan and leaders in England and Wales have called for prayers for Leo’s recovery, and the Church of England offered him a warm welcome should he visit the United Kingdom.