Filipino community in Rome unites in prayer for Pope Leo XIV

ROME — Messages of support and prayers for Pope Leo XIV continue to pour in from religious leaders and public figures around the world following the announcement of his surgery to remove a small, localized nodule in his lung.

As the Holy Father prepares for the operation, Fr. Gregory Ramon "Greg" Gaston, rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, the official Roman residence for Filipino priests pursuing advanced ecclesiastical studies, said the news prompted an immediate response of prayer among the Filipino community.

Father Gaston said he learned of the Pope's condition shortly after the Angelus last Sunday, October 11, and immediately shared the news with others so they could join in prayer.

He also described the announcement as reassuring, noting that the nodule had been detected at an early stage. He encouraged the faithful to await further updates from the Vatican while continuing to pray for the Pope.

"The most that we can do is pray," Fr. Gaston said, encouraging the faithful to offer their daily activities and good deeds for the Holy Father.

He emphasized that prayer is not limited to formal religious gatherings, explaining that people can unite spiritually with the Pope wherever they are and whatever good they do.

Several Masses for Filipino communities in Rome included prayers for the Holy Father. At the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, priests also continued to pray for his successful surgery and speedy recovery.

Father Gaston highlighted the universal nature of the Catholic Church, which allows the Filipino faithful in Rome to remain united in prayer with Catholics in the Philippines and across the world.

He said prayers and expressions of support have also come from dioceses in the Philippines, Church leaders in Chicago, where Pope Leo XIV grew up, and religious leaders of other faiths. Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had likewise expressed their support for the Pope.

Addressing the Holy Father directly, Fr. Gaston offered a heartfelt message of solidarity:

"Pope Leo, magkakasama kami para sa inyo. Ipinagdarasal namin kayo. Be assured na we are very united sa inyo."

(Pope Leo, we are united in prayer for you. Be assured that we are very united for you.)

He also encouraged Filipinos in Rome and around the world to continue praying together for the Pope.

"Napaka-blessed natin kasi we can see the Pope any Sunday o 'di kaya Wednesday. Punta lang tayo sa St. Peter's," he said, referring to the opportunity of seeing the Pope during public gatherings at the Vatican.

(We are very blessed because we can see the Pope any Sunday or Wednesday. All we have to do is go to St. Peter's.)

"Ang mga kapwa Pilipino natin sa buong mundo ay rest assured din, pinagdarasal namin kayo mula dito sa Rome."

(To our Filipino countrymen around the world, rest assured, we are also praying for you from here in Rome.)

Father Gaston concluded with a call for collective prayer and unity: "Kaya sama-sama tayong magdasal para kay Pope Leo."

(That's why let us all pray together for Pope Leo.) — VDV, GMA News