Pope's surgery: Union of Superiors General (USG), "The Church and the world need his unarmed, disarming yet firm voice" 

On behalf of its President, Fr Arturo Sosa, and all Superiors General, the Union of Superiors General (USG) "wishes to express its closeness to Pope Leo through prayer, asking that the lung surgery he himself announced today may restore him to full health and bring a swift recovery".

These words appear in a message signed by Fr Mario Zanotti, a Camaldolese monk and Secretary General of the USG, issued following the Pope's announcement at the end of the Angelus.

"The Church and the world need his unarmed, disarming yet firm voice", the message continues. "Pope Leo's voice is a point of reference for countless men and women throughout the world, from ordinary people carrying out everyday work to scientists, politicians and experts across all scientific, economic and humanistic disciplines."

According to the Superiors General, "cultures throughout the world are engaging with the wisdom and prophetic vision of the Church, expressed with clarity and courage by Leo XIV".

"May the Lord renew the strength of his Spirit in the Pope, restoring strength and breath to his lungs and vigour to his voice", the message concludes.

Riccardo Benotti – AgenSIR, 11 October 2026.
Republished with permission. English translation by the USG from the Italian original.

Read the original article on AgenSIR

Pray with the Pope this October

For mental health ministry

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God of life,

You know the innermost depths of our hearts—

the light and shadows within us,

the silent wounds that sometimes no one sees.

Today we bring before you our brothers and sisters

who struggle with challenges to their mental health,

who suffer in solitude with anxiety, depression, or any other mental illness.

You call them by name, with tenderness,

and in You they find dignity and hope.

Forgive us for the times we have looked the other way,

feeding the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.

May your Church be an open house,

a safe space where everyone has a place—

a community that accompanies and never excludes,

that listens without judging and draws near without fear.

We pray to you, Lord, for those who care:

professionals, family members, volunteers—

men and women who, with patience and love,

build bridges of understanding and comfort.

Give them strength and compassion to sustain others.

Send your Spirit upon us,

that we may learn to welcome and integrate care for mental health

into the life and ministry of our communities and of the whole Church,

and thus become a living sign of your mercy,

which never abandons and always restores.

Amen.

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