World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Italian bishops pray for Pope Leo as he enters hospital
Pope Leo is entering Rome’s Gemelli hospital for treatment, prompting concern among Catholic communities.
Giuseppe Baturi, secretary-general of Italy’s bishops’ conference, said bishops and church communities in Italy are praying for him.
Baturi said the Pope shared his health news directly, thanking people for their spiritual support and asking them to pray.
He described that openness as a gesture of trust that made the Pope’s experience relatable to people facing illness.
Baturi said illness does not diminish the Pope’s life or mission, and that time spent receiving care is also part of his ministry.
The Italian churches are continuing to pray for him as he undergoes treatment.
Baturi said they hope the Pope will soon return to his duties, while asking people to respect the time needed for his care.
Pope Leo was about to enter Rome’s Gemelli hospital, while bishops and Catholic communities prayed for him.
Giuseppe Baturi, secretary-general of the Italian Episcopal Conference, said the Church was accompanying the Pope in prayer.
Baturi said the Pope’s openness about his illness had moved non-believers as well as believers.
Some dioceses had organized communal prayer, and Cagliari’s community was entrusting the Pope to Our Lady of Bonaria.
Baturi said he hoped the Pope would soon return to his duties, while describing his time receiving care as part of his ministry.
- Who
- Pope Leo, with bishops and Catholic communities praying for him.
- What
- The Pope was about to enter hospital, and church leaders and communities were offering prayers for him.
- When
- The article was published on 13 October 2026.
- Where
- The Pope was about to enter Gemelli hospital in Rome; prayers were being held in Italy and elsewhere.
- Why
- The Church was concerned for the Pope’s health and wanted to support him during his treatment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
- Hospital
- Gemelli hospital, Rome
- Church official
- Giuseppe Baturi, secretary-general of the Italian Episcopal Conference
- Publication date
- 13 October 2026
- Prayer
- Some dioceses had organized communal prayer
- Cagliari
- The community entrusted the Pope to Our Lady of Bonaria
What people are saying
The illness does not take away the value of life and of the mission.
Our first response is to be close to him in prayer.
Before being a communication choice, it is an act of trust.
We hope he will soon return to his duties.
Sources
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