October 2026 (2) Pope Leo Pope Leo told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square following his customary Sunday prayer there that doctors had found the lung nodule. It is at a very early stage and is well-localized. “The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it,” the Holy Father said. The pope’s operation took place on the 13th of October at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, where the popes usually receive medical care. The Vatican has disclosed that the Pope does have a common form of lung cancer. We are asked to keep the Holy Father in our prayers “Together, let us raise our prayer that the Lord may sustain our bishop, Pope Leo, and bring comfort to all those who are hospitalized here, May Mary, Health of the Sick and Mother of the Church, accompany our prayer and teach us to remain steadfast in love.” Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome.

St Vincent de Paul Society – 170 Years

The Society of St Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic charity network that has been operating in South Africa since 1856. Every day, over 2 000 members and volunteers reach out to vulnerable and marginalized people in their local communities. At the core of their work is carried out by over 187 parish committees known as ‘conferences’. These are groups of members from all walks of life who work together to relieve suffering and promote human dignity amongst the poor.