Pope Leo to be admitted to hospital Oct. 13, prayers continue pouring in ahead of surgery

Pope Leo XIV is set to be admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 13 for surgery, as prayers for his health and spiritual support continue to flow following his initial announcement during the Sunday Angelus about the medical finding and treatment.

Vatican News reported that Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said Pope Leo’s hospital stay after surgery is expected to last about one week.

The outlet noted that Pope Leo held all of his audiences scheduled for Oct. 12, but audiences scheduled for Oct. 13 through Oct. 20 have been canceled. 

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the recently appointed dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside instead of Pope Leo at the Oct. 14 Mass at St. Peter’s Square for participants of the event on the 10th anniversary of Amoris laetitia. Father Giacomo Costa, who has had a role in the event’s planning process, spoke at a briefing at the Holy See Press Office about the change of plans and the ongoing spiritual support for the Holy Father.

“During the Mass, we will pray especially for the Holy Father’s health, as well as for families,” Father Costa said, according to Vatican News. 

Father Costa said Pope Leo had asked for the synthesis report of the meeting to not be published as originally planned, so he could have an opportunity to hear its contents and respond first. Father Costa said the Pope “had wanted to listen to the participants’ conclusions and offer his own reflections,” Vatican News reported. 

During the Angelus Oct. 11, Pope Leo explained that the operation had already been scheduled to take place soon. 

“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he said. 

As Zeale News reported, Catholic communities, bishops, and political leaders were among those expressing solidarity and support for the Pontiff following the announcement. 

Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said bishops across the country were joining the faithful in praying for him. 

“May the hand of Pope Leo’s surgeons be guided by the divine physician Jesus Christ,” Archbishop Coakley said. “Please find a moment today, as I will, to offer a prayer for Pope Leo and his care team.”

Zeale News noted that the Pope did not indicate that he will cancel his upcoming pastoral visit to Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay. President of Argentina Javier Milei expressed best wishes to the Pope ahead of the procedure. 

“All of Argentina accompanies His Holiness with affection and prayer, wishing him a swift and full recovery,” Milei stated Oct. 11. “From our country, we join in prayer for his health, with the hope that he may soon continue guiding the Church with the wisdom and strength that characterize him.”

Vatican News reported that bishops in Thailand, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom were among those who emphasized their prayers for Pope Leo. Bishop John Keenan, representing the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, emphasized their support of the Pontiff, offering their prayers and inviting Catholics and people of goodwill across Scotland to remember him in their prayers.

“At this time, we wish to express our closeness to Pope Leo and our hope that he will be strengthened and reassured by the prayers and good wishes of so many people who hold him in great affection and esteem,” he said. He invited Catholics across the country to pray for Pope Leo and his medical team, as well as for a quick recovery.

“May the Lord give him strength and peace,” he said, “in the days ahead.”