Reuters reported Sunday that Pope Leo called for an end to fighting in Yemen, highlighting shortages of food, water and medical care in Taiz less than two weeks after surgery on his right lung.
Speaking from a Vatican window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Leo singled out Taiz, where residents face shortages of food and water and limited access to medical care. He urged hostilities to stop so people in Yemen and across the region could “live in peace.”
The Oct. 13 operation removed the lower lobe of Leo’s right lung after doctors diagnosed adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. Doctors said last week that he would not need further therapy, indicating the tumor had not spread, as described in an earlier account of his test results.
Remembering Friday’s attack on Hamoud church in Jordan, Leo prayed for those killed and injured and described the assault as a “terrorist attack against Orthodox faithful.” He invited the faithful to pray for a Tuesday gathering of religious leaders in Assisi, where they are set to promote peace. The Vatican said Friday that Leo had canceled plans to attend on doctors’ advice while recovering.
