Filipino Catholics pray for Pope Leo’s recovery after lung surgery

Filipino Catholics on Wednesday expressed sadness and offered prayers for Pope Leo’s speedy recovery after doctors announced the 71-year-old pontiff had been diagnosed with lung cancer and had part of one lung removed.

Alphonse Sumangil, a resident, said he was saddened by what happened to the pontiff and wished him a full recovery, urging him to regain his strength and resume his duties as leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Ronnie Saet also offered prayers, saying the pontiff’s recovery meant a great deal to the faithful as head of their Church.

Roman Catholics make up about 80 percent of the more than 112 million Philippine population.

The pope was diagnosed on Tuesday (October 13) with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, after doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung during an operation.

Leo spent a peaceful night in hospital, the Vatican said, adding that further information about his condition would be released later on Wednesday.