MANILA— Cardinal Pablo David has called on Catholics to pray for Pope Leo XIV following the pontiff’s lung cancer diagnosis.

David, who is currently in the Vatican, shared the appeal in a social media post on Wednesday, recalling his recent encounter with the pope and encouraging the faithful to offer prayers for his recovery.

“Last Wednesday, he reached out to me with a hug. Today, I want to return that hug through prayer. And I invite you to do the same,” David said.

“Let us surround our Holy Father with the warmth of our prayers, that he may feel himself embraced by the whole Church, just as he has embraced so many of us with the love of a brother,” he added.

The Filipino cardinal expressed optimism about the pontiff’s recovery, citing the prayers being offered by millions for his well-being.

“His journey toward full recovery is only beginning… Get well soon, Holy Father. We are with you,” David said.

Separately, Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy appealed to Cebuanos to pray for the pope, echoing David’s call for spiritual support.

“We continue to pray,” Uy said in a separate social media post.

Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer on Wednesday following a successful operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, according to the report. (PNA)