Apostolic Nuncio in Southern Africa Calls for Prayers for Successful Surgery of Pope Leo XIV

Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, the Apostolic Nuncio in Southern Africa, has asked bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, and lay faithful to pray for Pope Leo XIV as he prepares for surgery. The Pope will undergo a procedure to remove a small, localized nodule in his lung.

In a statement released Tuesday, October 13, Archbishop Jagodziński invited the faithful to pray for the Pope's successful surgery and a swift, complete recovery. He noted that during the Angelus on Sunday, October 11, the Pope announced the upcoming surgery and expressed gratitude for the spiritual support of the faithful.

The Nuncio, who represents the Holy Father in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and eSwatini, encouraged parishes, religious communities, and families to remember the Pope during Holy Mass, the Prayer of the Faithful, the recitation of the Rosary, and in personal prayer. He asked for strength, peace, and guidance for the doctors and medical staff caring for the Pope.