SECAM: Bishops in Africa Express Solidarity with Pope Leo XIV

Bishops from Africa and Madagascar have pledged their prayers and support for Pope Leo XIV following his announcement that he will undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule.

The Pope informed pilgrims on Sunday, October 11, that doctors discovered a small, localized nodule during recent medical examinations. He stated that he decided to undergo the procedure at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome following medical advice to intervene while the condition was detected at an early stage.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), issued a message on behalf of the bishops and the faithful across the continent and its islands. Ambongo acknowledged that the news caused concern among the faithful but noted that the African Church is responding with hope and trust in God. In his statement dated Monday, October 12, the Archbishop of Kinshasa asked the Pope to be assured of the filial affection and constant prayers of the Church in Africa.