Praying for Our Holy Father
This month, Catholics around the world have been praying for Pope Leo XIV. On October 13, the Holy Father underwent surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital to remove part of his lung after doctors found a cancerous growth. After five days in the hospital, he returned to the Vatican on October 17.
The following Sunday, he appeared at the window of the Apostolic Palace to greet thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. His recovery is expected to take several more days, and the Vatican has confirmed that he will resume his Wednesday General Audience.
Moments like this remind us that the Pope, as the successor of Peter, carries the whole Church on his shoulders, and that the whole Church is called to carry him in prayer.
A Saint for the Sick: St. José Gregorio Hernández
One year ago, on October 19, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized St. José Gregorio Hernández, known throughout Latin America as "the doctor of the poor." Today, as we pray for the Pope's health, it is fitting to ask for the intercession of the saint he raised to the altars.
José Gregorio was born on October 26, 1864, in Isnotú, a small town in the Andes of Venezuela. He studied medicine in Caracas and later in Paris, and he returned home to help bring modern scientific medicine to his country as a professor and physician.
Yet what people remember most is his charity. He treated the poor without charge, often paid for their medicine himself, and saw every patient as Christ. He was a Secular Franciscan and a man of deep daily prayer.
He died on June 29, 1919, in Caracas, struck by a car while on his way to bring medicine to a sick woman. His life ended the way he had lived it: in service to others.
The First Saints of Venezuela
At the same ceremony, Pope Leo XIV also canonized St. Carmen Rendiles, founder of the Servants of Jesus. Together, they became the first saints of Venezuela, a moment of great joy for millions of Venezuelans at home and abroad.
St. José Gregorio's feast day is celebrated on October 26, the anniversary of his birth. Many families keep his image at home and wear his medal as a reminder to trust God in times of illness.
How to Pray for the Pope and for the Sick
Here are some simple ways to join the Church in prayer this week:
- Pray a Rosary for the Holy Father. October is the month of the Rosary. Offer one decade, or the whole Rosary, for the Pope's full recovery. Our Rose Petal Rosary – Pope Leo XIV from Rome is a beautiful way to keep him close in prayer.
- Ask St. José Gregorio's intercession. Pray for the Pope, for doctors and nurses, and for anyone you know who is ill.
- Remember the sick in your own life. A visit, a call, or a small gift such as a Healing Rosary can bring real comfort.
- Prepare for his feast on October 26. It is not too late to pray each day this week for his intercession, leading up to his feast.
A Short Prayer
Lord Jesus, Divine Physician, we entrust to You our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Grant him strength, healing, and peace, so that he may continue to guide Your Church. Through the intercession of St. José Gregorio Hernández, comfort all who are sick and bless those who care for them. Amen.
