Michigan Knights Ask for Prayers for Pope Leo XIV Following Lung Cancer Diagnosis
- Wed, Oct 14, 2026 10:16 AM
Michigan Knights Ask for Prayers for Pope Leo XIV Following Lung Cancer Diagnosis
October 14, 2026
Brother Knights and Ladies,
The Michigan State Council joins Knights of Columbus worldwide in asking for your prayers for our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.
On Sunday, October 11, during the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo announced that doctors had discovered a localized nodule on his lung during routine examinations. He said the growth had been detected “at a very early stage” and was well contained, and that physicians recommended its removal. On Tuesday, October 13, the Holy Father underwent thoracic surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital. The lower lobe of his right lung was removed using video-assisted techniques. Intraoperative examination confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer that preoperative tests had suspected.
The Vatican reported that the surgery was successful, completed according to plan, and without complications. The Holy Father regained consciousness normally and returned to his room. An update on Wednesday morning noted that he had a quiet night. All public audiences have been canceled through October 20 while he recovers. Oncologists familiar with early-stage cases of this type have described the outlook as favorable when the disease is detected and surgically addressed promptly.
As the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization—founded by Blessed Michael J. McGivney and dedicated to the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism—the Knights of Columbus have a special duty to pray for and support the Vicar of Christ. Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and the leadership of the Order have already invited the entire membership to pray for the Holy Father’s recovery and continued strength in shepherding the Church.
Here in Michigan, we add our voices to that prayer. We particularly ask the intercession of our founder, Blessed Michael J. McGivney, whose own life of pastoral care and concern for the sick remains a model for every Knight, and of St. Peregrine Laziosi, the 14th-century Servite priest and patron saint of those suffering from cancer. St. Peregrine himself experienced a miraculous healing from a cancerous condition after a night spent in prayer before the Crucified Christ.
We invite every council, assembly, and family to remember Pope Leo XIV in their prayers—at Mass, in the Rosary, at council meetings, and in personal devotion. A simple intention may be offered:
“Almighty and merciful God, we ask You to look with favor upon Your servant Pope Leo XIV. Through the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney and St. Peregrine, grant him strength in recovery, healing of body and spirit, and the grace to continue leading Your Church with wisdom, courage, and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Please share this request with your parish, family, and fellow Knights. Together we lift up our Holy Father.
Vivat Jesus!
Michigan Knights of Columbus State Council