Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene have offered a heartfelt message of support to Pope Leo XIV following his announcement that he would undergo lung surgery.
In a letter signed by Monaco’s sovereign, the couple expressed their concern while taking reassurance from the Pope’s decision to proceed promptly with the necessary operation.
© Getty ImagesAddressing the pontiff as “Most Holy Father,” Albert brought together his role as head of state and his family’s personal prayers, speaking on behalf of Charlene, their family and the entire Principality.
“Deeply moved by the news Your Holiness shared following the Angelus on 11 October, yet reassured by Your decision to undergo the necessary surgery without delay, Princess Charlène and I, together with our family and the entire Principality, wish to express our wholehearted support and assure You of our fervent prayers,” the message reads.
© Getty ImagesThe letter responds to the Pope’s October 11 announcement that doctors had discovered a localized nodule in his lung during medical examinations and recommended surgery to remove it.
A message of concern and hope:
Beyond offering their support, Albert and Charlene expressed their wish for the Pope to return to his ministry with renewed strength. Their words emphasized both his recovery and the importance they place on his spiritual leadership.
© Getty Images“As we reaffirm our closeness to You in this difficult time, we pray that the operation will be successful and that Your recovery will be swift and complete, enabling You to resume Your Ministry with renewed strength, at a time when the world needs Your guidance more than ever,” Albert wrote.
The message closes with an assurance of the prince’s “most faithful and respectful devotion.” Although formally addressed and signed by Albert, the letter explicitly includes Charlene and their family throughout its expression of solidarity.
© Abaca PressThe latest update on Pope Leo XIV’s recovery:
Since the announcement that prompted the royal message, Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
According to an October 13 statement published by Vatican News, surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung, and an examination during the procedure confirmed lung adenocarcinoma.
© Getty ImagesDoctors reported that the operation was successful and took place without complications.
A further update on October 14 offered encouraging news. The Holy See Press Office said the Pope’s postoperative recovery was progressing normally, with blood tests and a chest X-ray showing results within the expected range for the procedure.
© Getty ImagesHe had also resumed eating normally, begun walking around his room and undergone respiratory physiotherapy. For Albert and Charlène, the message conveys a shared hope, that the Pope’s recovery will allow him to return to the ministry they described as needed by the world “more than ever.”
