Let us pray for the Pope: staying close

In his 11 October announcement to the faithful in Saint Peter’s Square, the Pope explained that doctors had found a lung nodule during check-ups. The Holy See described it as very early and localised. Doctors recommended surgery. At that time, Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni said the operation was planned for the first days of the following week, with a hospital stay expected to last about a week.

Those were the announcements made on 11 October, before surgery. The discharge update above gives the later development. News about anyone’s health, including the Pope’s, deserves respect and patience: we follow official announcements.

There is something we can all do tonight, wherever we live and whatever our age: pray. Anyone who has spent time in hospital, or accompanied someone they love, knows how much it means to know someone is thinking of you.

Tonight’s prayer

Lord, tonight we entrust our Pope Leo to you. Guide the hands of the doctors and everyone caring for him. Give him the peace that comes from trust in you, and the strength of knowing he is not alone. Mary, mother of those who wait and hope, stay beside him as you stayed beside your Son. Remember, too, everyone lying in a hospital bed tonight whose name goes unmentioned. Amen.

Prayer written by the CHIARA! editorial team.

Tonight’s gesture: think of someone you know who is ill or waiting for a test. Send them a message. Just two words can be enough: “Thinking of you”.