The bishops of Scotland invite all Catholics and all people of goodwill across the country to keep Pope Leo XIV in their prayers following surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital this afternoon.

The Holy See Press Office has confirmed that tests carried out during the procedure have diagnosed the Holy Father with a common form of lung cancer.

The operation was successful, and there were no complications. Pope Leo is now recovering following surgery.

The bishops ask the people of Scotland to keep the Holy Father in their thoughts and prayers in the days ahead, together with the doctors, nurses and all those caring for him.

May the Lord grant Pope Leo strength, peace and healing as he begins his recovery.