King Charles has extended his well-wishes to Pope Leo following the pontiff’s recent lung cancer surgery. The British monarch, 77, who is currently receiving treatment for cancer himself, is expected to send a personal letter to the Pope. The two leaders met last year and notably prayed together publicly in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel—marking the first time a British monarch and a Pope have done so since the 16th century.

Pope Leo, 71, underwent a planned surgical procedure to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Vatican officials reported that the surgery was successful and that the Pope spent a calm night following the operation. In light of the procedure, all his scheduled audiences have been postponed until next week.

Church leaders from England and Wales have called for prayers to support the Pope’s recovery. Archbishop Richard Moth, the Catholic leader in those regions, expressed gratitude that the surgery went well and urged people of all backgrounds “to pray that the Pope may be restored to full health after a period of rest and recuperation.”

Similarly, Dame Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury within the Church of England, who acknowledged having visited the Pope in Rome in April, shared her ongoing spiritual support. She stated that her “daily prayers remain with Pope Leo XIV” and hoped for a swift and full recovery sustained by the Holy Spirit.

The Pope’s health developments remain closely followed by both the Catholic community and international observers amid the challenges faced by two prominent religious figures managing serious illnesses.