President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on the Filipino nation to join Catholic communities worldwide in offering prayers for the full recovery of Pope Leo XIV following lung cancer surgery.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a procedure to remove a lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
“We look forward to his return to good health and to his continued spiritual leadership, guidance and blessings for the faithful,” Marcos said in a statement shared on social media.
According to information released by the Vatican, the leader of the Catholic Church underwent a successful 90-minute operation on Tuesday at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, with medical personnel reporting no expected complications.