Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined Catholics around the world in praying for the recovery of Pope Leo XIV, who underwent surgery in Rome for a lung nodule.
“The entire Filipino nation joins the Catholic faithful around the world in praying for the swift and full recovery of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Marcos said in a statement Thursday, Oct. 15.
“We look forward to his return to good health and to his continued spiritual leadership, guidance and blessings for the faithful,” he added.
The 71-year-old pontiff was operated on Tuesday; the Vatican said that the procedure was successful.
In a medical update Wednesday, the Holy See Press Office said the pope’s blood tests and chest X-ray showed results within the expected range following surgery.
The Vatican said Pope Leo had begun walking around his room, undergone respiratory physiotherapy, and resumed eating normally.
“His recovery is proceeding as expected,” the Vatican said, citing doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) also called on Filipino Catholics to offer prayers and Masses for the pope’s healing and recovery.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, was elected head of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, succeeding Pope Francis.
