Repole's message for Pope Leo XIV's surgery
The message released on Sunday 11 October 2026 by Cardinal Roberto Repole, Archbishop of Turin and president of the Piedmontese Bishops' Conference, is a text of support and a call to prayer addressed to Pope Leo XIV, made public after the pontiff's announcement, during the previous day's Angelus, that he would have to undergo surgery for a lung nodule.[1][2]
The Pope's announcement
During the Angelus of 11 October 2026, Pope Leo XIV disclosed that, during medical check-ups, a localised nodule had been found in his lung, detected at an early stage and well localised. The pontiff said doctors considered it advisable to operate and that he would decide to have surgery in the following days, reducing his public engagements while confirming the planned trips, including the one to South America scheduled for November.[2]
Repole's message
On the same day, Cardinal Repole released a note in which he wrote: «The Piedmontese Church joins the sentiments of affection and the prayer of the Italian Church for the Pope. I believe all the peoples of the Earth are drawing close to Leo XIV with the same feeling, because they have found in this Pope a good father, something the world needs. I am particularly close to him together with the College of Cardinals, and I am conveying the affection of all Piedmontese people».[1]
In the same message, the Archbishop of Turin invited people to share and spread the words of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops' Conference: «We thank Pope Leo for the simplicity and trust with which he made us part of this trial. We are a family: Holy Father, you are not alone! We accompany you with our prayer and our affection so that the surgery goes well and so that the Lord grants you serenity and strength».[1][2]
Related articles: Archbishop of Turin calls for prayer over Pope Leo XIV's surgery (October 2026)
Sources
- TorinOggi — 11 October 2026
- TorinoToday — 12 October 2026