By Joshua McElwee

VATICAN CITY, Oct 14 (Reuters) - World leaders, Catholics across the globe and senior cardinals at the Vatican offered prayers for Pope Leo on Wednesday after doctors announced the 71-year-old pontiff had been diagnosed with lung cancer and had part of one ‌lung removed.

The cancer diagnosis for a pope known to be relatively young and energetic and who was elected only in May 2025 ‌caused shock.

A prayer was recited for Leo to have a good convalescence and complete healing during an open-air Mass in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday following the surgery.

The pope was diagnosed on ​Tuesday with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, after doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung during an operation.

Leo spent a peaceful night in hospital, the Vatican said, adding that further information about his condition would be released later on Wedn...