Chicago and Chiclayo, Pope Leo XIV’s birthplace and the Peruvian diocese where he served as bishop, are praying for his health.
As Catholic's worldwide pray for the pope’s recovery, the faithful in two places closely connected to his life are doing the same: Chicago, where Robert Prevost was born, and Chiclayo, Peru, where he served as bishop from 2015 to 2023.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago and a former classmate of the pope, has called on the faithful to pray for his recovery.
Cardinal Blase Cupich Statement
May the Holy Spirit guide the hands of the surgeons and may the Blessed Mother hold Pope Leo in the days ahead as he returns to full health.
Villanova University, where Prevost studied mathematics, is also asking for prayers for its former student. The university planned to award Leo an honorary medal Tuesday afternoon. The ceremony will proceed in his absence, with prayers for the pope.
In Peru, the Diocese of Chiclayo has also organized a Mass to pray for his health.
FR. HUGO SÁNCHEZ
Pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Chiclayo
As the Diocese of Chiclayo, where we had Bishop Roberto as our bishop, now bishop emeritus, we welcomed his visit with great joy, especially in a very, very spiritual atmosphere, an atmosphere of prayer.
But now, with this news, we will pray even more for him, and that is how the diocese feels. This initiative did not begin solely because of this news, which has deeply moved us. It is also part of the preparations for that long-awaited visit, which we hope will happen.
Priests and faithful from across the diocese took part in the initiative. The Mass was held at the cathedral that served as Bishop Roberto’s seat, just hours before the pope was hospitalized for the removal of a lung nodule. Its nature, benign or malignant, has not yet been determined. He is expected to remain hospitalized for about a week.
The operation has raised questions about his apostolic trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in early November. The Vatican has not announced any cancellations. On Sunday, during the Angelus, the pope himself spoke about returning to Peru.
In Chiclayo, the faithful are ready to welcome him.
FR. HUGO SÁNCHEZ
Pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Chiclayo
Knowing Bishop Roberto, I’m sure he will come. But we’re also making the faithful aware that he is the Holy Father and that we must take good care of him. If the recommendation is for him to rest and recover, we should accept that gladly, knowing that if his visit cannot happen, I’m sure he will come as soon as possible.
