Cardinal Lozano expresses thanks for prayers during struggle with cancer

Mexico City, Mexico, Jun 2, 2008 / 09:55 am

Speaking on Mexican television, the president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care, Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, thanked the faithful for their prayers after he underwent an operation for pancreatic cancer last month.

According to Noticieros Televisa, the cardinal underwent surgery last month for cancerous cells found inside his pancreas.  He said doctors removed the organ and that the operation lasted some ten hours.

The Mexican cardinal said his first reaction to news he would need surgery was “sportsmanlike.”  “I thought I made it through both halves without any goals being scored, thanks be to God,” he joked.  “Now I was in overtime and I said, maybe it’s the Lord who wants to score a goal.”

He said his recovery would be long-term but that doctors were satisfied with the operation. He attributed his good condition to the prayers of the faithful.

“I felt very supported because many beloved people from Mexico called and wrote emails to say they were praying for me, and I want to send them all my thanks, and I especially thank Our Lady of Guadalupe.  My thanks and affection to all,” he said.