PITTSBURGH —
Pittsburgh Catholics turned to prayer following Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis.
“I will be offering my Rosary because he needs all of our prayers,” said Johnathan Hasek, a member of the Pitt Catholic Newman Club.
The Vatican announced Tuesday doctors removed the lower lobe of Pope Leo’s right lung in a 90-minute surgery.
Further examination confirmed the Pope has lung adenocarcinoma, which the Vatican said was suspected from pre-operative tests.
“I think the Holy Father is very strong. I feel like God will protect him,” Hasek told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 Reporter Jordan Cioppa.
News of the diagnosis came days after the pontiff told the faithful that he had an upcoming surgery, saying the doctors found a “localized nodule” in his lung.
He canceled all public events until Oct. 20.
“For him to stop, we knew it was serious,” said Father Paul Zaborowski of St. Padre Pio Parish in Pittsburgh. “And so, all of us were just kind of shocked, and we’re saddened because he’s such a powerful, powerful minister among us. Such a good shepherd.”
Zaborowski led a Mass Tuesday night in Lawrenceville, where Pope Leo was on the minds of parishioners.
“We offered prayers particularly for him. Had a period of quiet, people to reflect and just kind of be with him in prayer,” Zaborowski said. “That’s the beauty of being Catholic. Around the world, people are right now praying for him.”
The Vatican called Pope Leo’s surgery “successful,” and added, “there were no complications.”
“I’m very thankful. I really love Pope Leo,” said Preston Breen, who attended Mass at Pittsburgh Oratory on Tuesday. “He’s just been very great for the church. Like, down-to-earth guy too, and has been very firm on his teachings.”
Bishop Mark Eckman of the Diocese of Pittsburgh shared the following statement with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4.
“Today, I join Catholics throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh and around the world in lifting up our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, in prayer following the news of his surgery and lung cancer diagnosis. We are grateful to hear that the surgery was successful, and we pray that the Holy Father will experience a full and peaceful recovery. Pope Leo has reminded us of the importance of faith, hope, and caring for one another. Now, as he faces this personal health challenge, we have an opportunity to surround him with the same love and prayerful support that he so generously offers to the Church and the world. I ask all of the faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh to join me in praying for Pope Leo, for his medical team, and for all those facing cancer and other serious illnesses. May our Blessed Mother wrap him in her loving care, and may the Lord grant him strength, healing, and peace in the days ahead. Holy Father, please know that the people of Pittsburgh are praying for you.”
Father Paul Taylor, O.S.B., the President of Saint Vincent College, said:
“All of us at Saint Vincent are praying for Pope Leo XIV and for his full recovery. We are grateful for the energy, faith and enthusiasm he has brought to the papacy. Having recently had the opportunity to spend time with the Holy Father, we were encouraged by his strength and genuine joy in ministry. Those qualities have already inspired so many people around the world, and there is every reason to believe they, along with the grace that God will give him, will sustain him throughout his recovery.”
Duquesne University President David Dausey stated:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Pope Leo XIV as he faces this difficult health challenge. As a Catholic and Spiritan University, Duquesne joins people around the world in praying for his healing and recovery. I was honored to meet the Holy Father earlier this summer, and I join our University community in wishing him strength, peace and comfort in the days ahead.”