Marcos offers prayers for Pope Leo's swift recovery 

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the Philippines is praying for the speedy and full recovery of Pope Leo XIV, who has been recently diagnosed with lung cancer.

In a Facebook post, the President said the Filipinos look forward to Pope Leo’s return to good health and his continued blessings for the Catholic faithful.

“The entire Filipino nation joins the Catholic faithful around the world in praying for the swift and full recovery of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Marcos said.

“We look forward to his return to good health and to his continued spiritual leadership, guidance and blessings for the faithful,” he added.

The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung cancer after surgeons removed a part of his right lung on Tuesday, according to the Vatican.

The pope has lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of cancer, with tissue tests conducted during the operation confirming what doctors had suspected from preparatory examinations, the bulletin said, as reported by Reuters. — Giselle Ombay/RSJ, GMA News