Rubio says praying for Pope Leo after lung cancer diagnosis
Pope Leo XIV meets U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican, May 7, 2026. Vatican Media/Simone Risoluti/Handout via REUTERS
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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.
"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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