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Pope Leo Calls for an End to Yemen Violence After Recent Lung Surgery
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Pope Leo Urges End to Yemen Violence
On October 25, Pope Leo addressed the faithful from the window over St Peter’s Square in Vatican City, urging an immediate halt to the fighting in Yemen. He emphasized the dire humanitarian situation in the southwestern city of Taiz, where residents lack sufficient food, water, and medical assistance. The pontiff also prayed for victims of a recent terrorist attack on the Orthodox community at the Hamoud church in Jordan and appealed for prayers ahead of a meeting of religious leaders scheduled in Assisi, Italy.
Health Context and Recent Surgery
The appeal came less than two weeks after the 71-year-old pope underwent lung surgery. On October 13, surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung after a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Pope Leo had previously announced on October 11 that he would need an operation to remove a small growth on his lung, marking the first health scare of his papacy. Vatican officials later reported that the tumour had not spread and that no further therapy was required.
Humanitarian Concerns Highlighted
In his address, Pope Leo highlighted the suffering of Taiz’s population, noting shortages of essential supplies and medical care. He linked the conflict’s impact to broader regional stability, calling for peace to allow civilians across the area to live without fear of violence.
Official Responses and Upcoming Peace Initiative
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo cancelled his planned attendance at the Assisi gathering of religious leaders on medical advice, but he encouraged participants to proceed with prayers for peace. No other governmental or organizational statements were reported in the source material.
Impact and Outlook
The pope’s public plea adds a high-profile moral voice to ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating Yemen’s conflict. By coupling his health recovery with a call for humanitarian relief, Pope Leo seeks to mobilize both religious communities and international actors toward a cease-fire and increased aid to affected populations.