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Pope Leo XIV Honors UK Ties, Acknowledges Health Issues
· Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV, during his recovery from lung surgery, has expressed closeness to the UK and acknowledged the strengthening ties between the Vatican and the royal family.
Pope Leo XIV, during his recent hospitalization, expressed gratitude to the medical staff at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and those who prayed for him, according to Vatican News. He also thanked doctors and nurses for their care, as reported by NBC News.
The Vatican announced that Pope Leo will miss a planned trip to Assisi next week due to ongoing recovery from thoracic surgery, as stated by NBC News. The Pope emphasized his commitment to the 'spirit of Assisi,' which includes dialogue and the search for peace.
Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove a nodular lesion on his lung, as reported by NBC Washington and WDSU. The 71-year-old Pope said the nodule was detected at an early stage and was well localized, as noted by The Guardian.
During his Sunday noon blessing, Pope Leo XIV made an unusual display of transparency about his health, announcing his upcoming surgery, as reported by WDSU.
Pope Leo XIV’s May 2023 coronation was attended by England’s Cardinal Vincent Nichols and top Vatican representatives, while also featuring a processional cross donated by Pope Francis, as reported by OSV News.
Church leaders have noted the new closeness in ties between the Vatican and the UK, with the Pope’s recent hospital visit coinciding with the King’s state visit to the Vatican, as explained by OSV News.
The Pope’s upcoming trip to South America includes meetings with victims of clerical sexual abuse, reflecting his desire to express closeness to those who have suffered, as reported by Batimes.
Pope Leo XIV’s meetings with abuse victims during his South American tour aim to build paths of healing and ensure the Church is a safe and spiritually healthy place, as stated by EWTN News.
The Vatican press office confirmed that several meetings with victims of abuse by members of the clergy and the Church are planned during the Pope’s Nov. 6-17 visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, as reported by OSV News and Angelusnews.
Pope Leo XIV’s meetings with abuse victims are expected to address the need for changes in the Catholic Church, not just photo ops, as emphasized by a group of survivors, as reported by Angelusnews.
The Pope’s health update and hospital visit have been met with support from Catholics, who see it as a sign of his commitment to the Church, as noted by OSV News.
Pope Leo XIV’s hospital visit included a Mass celebration and messages of support from well-wishers, as reported by Bgnes.
What this adds
The Pope’s hospital visit and health update have been met with widespread support from Catholics, indicating a positive reception to his transparency and commitment to addressing Church issues.
What's confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a nodular lesion on his lung, in the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate.
What's still developing
- Concluding his remarks at the Angelus, Pope Leo said, “Now that this delicate phase has passed—as you know—I will gradually resume my activities, always with the help of God and your prayers”.
- "What we would not welcome is seeing them vetted, as was done in Spain. Victims want changes in the Catholic Church, not photo ops," the group said, referring to several survivors who accused the Spanish bishops' conference of selecting the survivors who participated in Church abuse prevention programs to meet with Pope Leo during his visit to the country in June.