- Pope Leo's recent Sept. 25-28 pilgrimage to the Lourdes shrine in France is taking on new significance following the revelation that he underwent surgery for a cancerous mass in his lungs.
- During the visit to Lourdes, Leo followed in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims who flock to the shrine each year to drink its spring water and pray for miraculous cures for their ailments.
- It’s unknown if Leo was aware of his health issues prior to departing for France. He scheduled his surgery for a Tuesday, his typical day off, seemingly to ensure he fulfilled his public commitments.
- During the trip, Leo performed traditional Lourdes healing rituals, including drinking spring water, lighting a candle, touching the rock, and participating in an emotional torchlit procession alongside sick pilgrims.
- Leo told reporters on the way home that he witnessed “almost miracles” in Lourdes “walking with, accompanying so many people who are sick and suffering and seeing how the grace of God’s presence manifested in many different ways, touches people’s hearts, transforms their lives.”
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