Local faith leaders react to Pope Leo’s lung cancer operation

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The faithful offered their best wishes to Pope Leo XIV after the Vatican revealed Tuesday evening he underwent a successful surgery to remove a part of his right lung.

The lower lobe of the pope's lung was removed in a 90-minute surgery at a hospital in Rome. Further examination of the lobe revealed evidence of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer, according to the Vatican's statement.

After the operation, the Vatican said Pope Leo was resting in his room. It comes after the 71-year-old pontiff announced on Sunday doctors had discovered a nodule on his lung. He said it had been detected at a very early stage.

Tonight, News Channel 3 is speaking with local religious institutions now hoping for the best for Pope Leo's recovery. Stay tuned for our full report tonight at 10 and 11 where we'll be speaking with Fr. Ian Hollick of Sacred Heart Church in Palm Desert.