US and India Catholics Pray for Pope Leo Amid Lung Concerns
Catholic communities and church leaders in the United States and India are praying for Pope Leo XIV amid concerns over his lung health and a procedure to remove a lung growth. The faithful expressed hope for his recovery as questions remain
FaithTap · Oct 15, 2026 · 1 min read
Catholics in the United States and India, including communities in Chicago, Milwaukee and Raleigh, have gathered for Mass and prayer as Pope Leo XIV recovers from surgery to remove part of his right lung and a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. Church leaders and parishioners expressed concern, hope and solidarity, with Chicago Catholics highlighting the pope’s local roots and broader significance. Doctors said the 71-year-old pope was walking, eating normally and doing respiratory exercises, with tests indicating a normal recovery. Health experts noted that lung cancer can affect people who have never smoked and encouraged appropriate screening.