Faithful pray for Pope Leo after lung cancer diagnosis

BREAKING: Pope Leo, 71, diagnosed with lung cancer and has had part of one lung removed, the Vatican says, as world leaders and cardinals offer prayers.

Pope Leo has been diagnosed with lung cancer at 71.

The Vatican announced it on Wednesday, and doctors have already operated, removing part of one of his lungs. This is the pontiff elected only in May of last year, a man seen as relatively young and energetic for the role, which is why the news landed with such shock in Rome and far beyond it.

World leaders and senior cardinals offered prayers through the day, and the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square as the news spread. Catholics around the world, more than a billion of them, are now watching the Vatican for every word on his recovery.

For now the Holy See has given the diagnosis and the surgery, and little else. What comes next depends on how a 71 year old man recovers from losing part of a lung.

This is Sara White, reporting for HIT.