CCBI Urges Catholics Across India to Pray for Pope Leo XIV Ahead of Lung Surgery

NEW DELHI, October 13, 2026: The Conference of Catholic Bishops’ of India (CCBI) has called on Catholics across the country to pray for Pope Leo XIV, who is scheduled to undergo surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital following the detection of a small, localised lung nodule during recent medical examinations.

In a circular dated October 13, the CCBI urged bishops, priests, deacons, religious, catechists and lay faithful of the Latin Catholic Church in India to express their spiritual solidarity with the Pope as he prepares for the procedure.

“I kindly request that special prayers for his successful surgery, speedy recovery, good health and renewed strength be offered in our dioceses, parishes, religious communities and institutions,” the circular stated.

The bishops’ conference also asked dioceses and parishes to include special intercessions for the Pope during the celebration of the Eucharist, particularly in the Prayer of the Faithful.

Noting that October is observed as the Month of the Holy Rosary, the CCBI encouraged the faithful to remember Pope Leo XIV in their daily personal and community prayers, especially through the recitation of the Rosary.

The circular invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, asking her to accompany the Pope through his treatment and recovery.

The CCBI expressed hope that God would grant the Holy Father healing, peace and strength as he continues his ministry of shepherding the universal Church.

“Let our united prayers be a sincere expression of our filial love, ecclesial communion and spiritual closeness to the Successor of Peter,” the circular stated.

By Catholic Connect Reporter