The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales is asking people to pray for Pope Leo XIV as he recovers from surgery for lung cancer.
Archbishop Richard Moth said he is relieved the operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday was successful.
He said the Pope’s recovery was being entrusted to the care of Mary, the mother of Jesus, during the Catholic Church’s month of the Holy Rosary.
In a statement, he said: "I ask that Catholics in England and Wales, and indeed all people of goodwill, pray for Pope Leo – in our homes and in our parishes – that he may be restored to full health after a period of rest and recuperation.
“We also remember all those who are experiencing illness at this time, and keep them, their families and those who care for the sick in our prayers.”
Following the operation on Tuesday, the Vatican said the 71-year-old was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
Former Reuters Vatican correspondent Philip Pullella told Premier Christian News the diagnosis had come as a shock, given the initial description of the problem as a small growth.
He said: “Lung cancer is always serious. He is 71. He is healthy. He was healthy until now, and hopefully it has not affected the lymph nodes.
“But we really don't know yet, so we're waiting for more information.”
Mr Pullella said the outlook would depend on how far the cancer had progressed, adding that some patients who undergo similar operations go on to lead normal lives.
Pope Leo is recovering in hospital and is expected to remain there for around a week.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Sarah Mullally, has also offered her prayers, saying she is praying for the Holy Father's recovery and for the Holy Spirit to sustain him in the weeks ahead.
She said she hoped his recovery would be “swift and complete”, and assured the Pope and Catholics around the world of the prayers of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.
According to Mr Pullella, the illness could also affect the Pope’s plans to visit Latin America in November.
He said he would not be surprised if the trip was cancelled, although no decision had been confirmed.
The journalist said the diagnosis was particularly significant because Pope Leo was still at the beginning of his papacy.
He said: “He is at the very start of his papacy, and this is going to be something that we're going to be talking about all the time.”
Mr Pullella also explained that the day-to-day running of the Catholic Church would continue while the Pope recovers.
He said senior officials, including the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, would oversee the usual business of the Vatican, while major decisions reserved for the Pope would remain with him.
Archbishop Moth has also asked people to remember everyone who is ill, along with their families and those caring for them, in their prayers.