News Release: Statement from Cardinal Robert McElroy – Cardinal McElroy asks for prayers for Pope Leo who will undergo surgery
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2026 |
CONTACT: Georgina Wilkinson: 301-221-6226 [email protected] Sean Caine: 443-857-4372 [email protected] [email protected] |
Cardinal McElroy asks for prayers for Pope Leo who will undergo surgery
Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, the Archbishop of Washington, issued the following statement on Oct. 11, after Pope Leo XIV announced that he will be undergoing surgery to remove a nodule in his lungs in coming days.
WASHINGTON, DC – As I gather today in prayer for our Holy Father in Saint Peter’s Basilica along with bishops from around the world attending the Conference on Marriage and Family life, I ask all of the people of the Archdiocese of Washington to raise their prayers to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that Pope Leo may be sustained in the fullness of health and lead the Church on its pilgrimage of grace and hope with the same vision, holiness, sacrifice and pastoral compassion that have marked his pontificate at every moment since he assumed the Chair of Saint Peter.
I would also ask every priest of the Archdiocese to offer Mass for Pope Leo and his health in these days.
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The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington is home to more than 655,000 Catholics, 140 parishes and 90 Catholic schools, located in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.