The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar (CBCM) has issued a nationwide appeal for prayers for the health of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who will undergo surgery to remove a localized nodule in his lung within the coming days.

In a message dated October 12, 2026, the bishops urged all priests, religious brothers and sisters, educators, teachers, and Catholic faithful across Myanmar to offer special prayers for the success of the Pope’s surgical treatment and for his full and speedy recovery.

The Pope’s Announcement

According to the CBCM message, Pope Leo XIV announced his decision to undergo surgery based on his doctors’ findings and advice. The Holy Father shared the news with pilgrims gathered for the Angelus prayer on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

A World United in Prayer

The CBCM noted that priests, bishops, and religious communities worldwide are already offering special prayers for the Pope’s health. Catholics and world leaders from across the globe have also united in prayer for His Holiness.

“In the love of Christ, we urge and encourage all priests, religious brothers and sisters, educators/teachers, and Catholic faithful to offer special prayers for the success of His Holiness Pope Leo’s surgical treatment and for his full and speedy recovery to good health,” the message reads.

Signed by Myanmar’s Church Leaders

The message was signed by His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo of the Archdiocese of Yangon, President of the CBCM, and Archbishop Basilio Athai of the Archdiocese of Taunggyi, Vice-President of the CBCM.

The appeal reflects the deep affection and spiritual closeness that the Catholic Church in Myanmar holds for Pope Leo XIV. Despite facing its own challenges and hardships, the Church in Myanmar has chosen to stand in solidarity with the Holy Father, offering prayers and sacrifices for his well-being.

A Call to Prayer Across the Nation

The CBCM’s message encourages every Catholic in Myanmar—from bishops and priests to religious and lay faithful—to join in prayer for the Pope. The call is simple but urgent: pray for the success of the surgery and for the Holy Father’s complete healing.

For the faithful in Myanmar, the appeal is a reminder of the universal bond that unites Catholics around the world with the Successor of Peter. Even as the Church in Myanmar continues to face its own difficulties, the faithful are called to lift their hearts and voices to God on behalf of the Holy Father.

A Time of Solidarity

The CBCM’s message comes at a time when the whole Church is united in prayer for Pope Leo XIV. From Rome to the most remote villages of Myanmar, Catholics are asking God to guide the hands of the surgeons and to grant the Holy Father a swift and full recovery.

As the Pope prepares for surgery, the Catholic Church in Myanmar remains united with him in prayer, trusting that God, the Divine Physician, will bring about healing and strength.

The message concludes with a simple but profound request: “In the love of Christ, pray for the Holy Father.”

By RVA Myanmar Service