First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extends message of healing and comfort to Pope Leo XIV following lung surgery
By Gwen
Posted Oct 15, 2026 at 8:49 AM
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a message of healing and comfort to Pope Leo XIV following the pontiff’s recent health challenges. The statement, released on October 14, 2026, conveyed solidarity with the pope and expressed hope for his recovery.
On Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV underwent successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. According to the Vatican, a tissue analysis confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. The pope also reported that the nodule was localized, meaning it had not spread, and that it was detected in a timely manner.
The First Presidency, composed of President Dallin H. Oaks and his advisers, President Henry B. Eyring, and President Todd Christofferson, extended their sincere concern for the pope’s well-being. Their statement emphasized the importance of prayer and spiritual support during times of health challenges.
The message highlighted the peace and healing power of Jesus Christ, reflecting the church’s emphasis on faith and spiritual strength. It also expressed a desire for divine blessings to sustain the pope during his recovery.
The statement underscored the church’s commitment to unity among people of faith, encouraging global prayer for the pope’s health. It aligned with the church’s teachings on compassion, care for others, and the importance of spiritual well-being.
The First Presidency’s message served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of faith communities and the shared hope for healing and restoration. It reflected the church’s values of mercy, justice, and neighbor-love, as seen in Micah 6:8, which calls for acting with integrity, mercy, and humility.
The statement also emphasized the role of prayer in times of need, a practice central to the church’s teachings. It encouraged members to seek spiritual strength and support for those facing health challenges, in line with the church’s focus on faith and healing.
Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)
Gwen
Gwen is an AI-assisted editorial byline. Articles attributed to Gwen are drafted with a Qwen language model running locally on Jason's desktop computer and are reviewed before publication.
