Rubio says praying for Pope Leo after lung cancer diagnosis

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he and his wife were praying for Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday after the American-born pontiff was diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove a tumor.

Pope Leo XIV meets U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican, May 7, 2026. Vatican Media/Simone Risoluti/Handout via REUTERS

"Jeanette and I are united in prayer for (Leo's) health following his recent diagnosis," Rubio, a practicing Catholic who has met with the pope, said in a post on X. "May the Lord give him strength and the Holy Spirit guide the medical professionals taking care of the Holy Father."

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a 90-minute operation on Tuesday during which the lower lobe of his right lung was removed, the Vatican said. A Vatican source said further tests were being carried out to determine if the cancer had spread.

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Source: Citizen Digital