President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday joined Catholics around the world in praying for the swift and full recovery of Pope Leo XIV following his lung surgery.
“The entire Filipino nation joins the Catholic faithful around the world in praying for the swift and full recovery of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Marcos said in a statement on Thursday, Oct. 15.
“We look forward to his return to good health and to his continued spiritual leadership, guidance and blessings for the faithful,” he added.
The Vatican reported that the pope’s postoperative recovery was progressing normally, with blood tests and a chest X-ray conducted on October 15 (Manila time) showing results within the expected range.
Pope Leo also underwent respiratory physiotherapy, resumed eating normally and walked around his hospital room, according to the Vatican.
The pontiff had reportedly been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
The Vatican continues to ask the faithful to pray for the pope’s continued recovery.
