WCC news: WCC conveys heartfelt prayers to Pope Leo XIV

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay conveyed heartfelt prayers, fraternal solidarity, and warmest wishes for the speedy and full recovery of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.  Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC  16 October 2026 “Please be assured of our thoughts and prayers during this time,” wrote Pillay. “We pray that God will grant you renewed strength, peace, and healing, and that you may soon return to your ministry with restored health and vitality.” Pillay noted that the shared Christian faith calls us to uphold one another in prayer, compassion, and hope, especially in moments of vulnerability. “May the healing presence of our Lord Jesus Christ surround you, sustain you, and bring you comfort and renewed strength,” Pillay wrote. “We pray that you will experience the loving care of God and the encouragement of all those who hold you in their hearts and prayers.” Read the full letter See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland