After reciting the Angelus in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV announced that he would undergo surgery in the coming days.
Thousands of faithful who heard him speak firsthand were left surprised and confused
ALICIA
Spain
As he was speaking in Italian, at first we were all a bit like, “Really?”—our group—and we wondered if we’d really understood him correctly, and to be honest, it worried us a little, because he’s only been pope for a short time and has a lot to do.
JULIO CÉSAR
Peru
We weren't expecting this news, especially today, when we're celebrating the feast day of one of our saints from Peru. We arrived here just in time for the Angelus, and we weren't expecting the news the Pope announced. But let's hope they can operate on him and that everything goes well—we Peruvians wish with all our hearts that the operation goes smoothly.
Feelings of sorrow and amazement mingled among the pilgrims from all over the world, who are already praying for the pope’s health.
LAUTARO
Argentina
This is hard news. We found out on our way here that he was going to be admitted to the hospital because he has a tumor. All we can do now is pray that he gets well, recovers, and gets back on his feet quickly, and wish him the greatest success and blessings.
GUILLERMINA
Spain
At first, I felt really sorry for him—he hasn't been pope for very long, and the fact that he's already having health problems really made me feel bad for him, but anyway, we'll pray that things go well for him.
And with the trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru planned for November, many hope it will go ahead as scheduled.
ELISABETH
Peru
We wish him a speedy recovery, a successful outcome from any surgery he may undergo, many more years with us, and a pleasant stay upon his return to Peru, the place where he grew up.
For now, the trip remains on schedule, and in fact, the rush to schedule the surgery could be due precisely to the pontiff's desire to return to Latin America. But we'll have to keep an eye on how events unfold.
