Special prayers were offered for Pope Leo XIV during Catholic celebrations attended by approximately 130,000 worshippers, ahead of his planned surgery to remove a lung nodule.
The prayers took place on Monday evening, October 12, at the Sanctuary of Fatima in Portugal, during one of the Catholic Church’s major annual pilgrimages.
According to the sanctuary, Archbishop José Cordeiro of Braga presided over the celebrations, during which worshippers offered a special prayer for the Pope’s health and recovery.
Father Carlos Cabecinhas, rector of the Sanctuary of Fatima, had earlier announced that prayers for Pope Leo XIV would receive particular attention during the October 12–13 pilgrimage.
He explained that although prayers for the Pope are regularly included in the sanctuary’s religious activities, the announcement of his upcoming surgery had prompted a special appeal for his recovery.
Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday, October 11, that doctors had discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations.
The Pope said the nodule had been detected at a very early stage and that he had accepted medical advice to undergo surgery to remove it.
“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he told worshippers during his Sunday Angelus address at St Peter’s Square.
According to Vatican News, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that the Pope was scheduled to be admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, for the planned operation.
Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said the condition had been discovered during routine medical examinations and that the Pope was expected to remain in hospital for approximately one week.
The announcement prompted prayers and messages of support from Catholic communities and Christian leaders around the world.
At Fatima, Archbishop Cordeiro also encouraged worshippers to deepen their faith through compassion, charity and greater attention to the needs of others.
The sanctuary reported that groups attending the celebrations came from several countries, including Angola, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, France, Spain, Brazil and the United States.
The gathering formed part of Fatima’s final major pilgrimage of 2026, held over two days, with special prayers for the Pope included in the celebrations.
RADIOTV10