Joining the rest of the Catholic faithfuls around the world in wishing for the swift recovery of the pontiff.
In a statement, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday conveyed his hopes for Pope Leo XIV’s swift recovery, following his successful lung surgery in Rome.
“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,” President Marcos said in his statement.
“We look forward to his return to good health and to his continued spiritual leadership, guidance and blessings for the faithful,” the President added.
Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery on Tuesday, October 13, to remove a lung nodule. Then, it was also revealed that he was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, which led to the lower lobe of his right lung to be removed.
According to the Vatican News, citing Dr. Luigi Carbone and Prof. Stefano Margaritora, the Pope’s postoperative recovery is “progressing normally.”
“This morning, the Holy Father underwent routine checks, which yielded normal results. The chest X-ray showed good recovery of the lung that underwent surgery,” the team announced.
“He carried out his daily activities independently. His physiotherapy session included a full range of physical activities,” they added.
It was also reported that the Pope met with the Substitute for General Affairs, Archbishop Paolo Rudelli.
For its part, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on Filipino Catholics to offer prayers and masses for the Pope’s healing and recovery.
Pope Leo XIV is the first pontiff from North America in the Catholic church’s over 2000-year-long history.
Born as a North American, he holds dual-citizenship after being naturalized as a Peruvian in 2015, and served as the Bishop of Chicaylo.
He succeeds the late Pope Francis, who then made history as the first Latin American to hold the position upon his election in 2013.
