Diocese of Rockford

10/19/2026

10/16/2026

Funeral arrangements for Deacon Norbert Szudarski.

View Norbert Szudarski's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/16/2026

The Holy Father is back at Mass and giving thanks and so are we!

10/15/2026

Please join in praying for the repose of the soul of Deacon Norbert Szudarski who died Oct. 14. May he rest in peace and his family be comforted in their grief.

10/15/2026

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Deacon Dennis Garber who died Oct. 2. May God grant him eternal peace.

View Dennis Joseph Garber's complete obituary, share memories, and explore 14 tribute posts from the community.

10/15/2026

Thanks be to God.

Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora have provided the following update on the Pope’s postoperative recovery:

This morning, the Holy Father underwent the blood tests and chest X-ray scheduled after surgery. The results confirm that his postoperative recovery is progressing normally: the values are within the expected range for the type of operation performed.

The Holy Father has undergone respiratory physiotherapy and has begun walking around his room. He has resumed eating normally and had breakfast and lunch.

His recovery is proceeding as expected.

10/13/2026

Our prayers for the Holy Father continue as he recovers and undergoes any necessary treatment. God comfort him and bring him peace.

Pope Leo XIV underwent thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, as planned, according to a statement from Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora released by the Holy See Press Office.

The surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung, and tissue examined during the operation confirmed the diagnosis of “lung adenocarcinoma,” as suspected from tests conducted beforehand.

The Pope was in the operating room approximately three hours, while the operation itself lasted about 90 minutes. The doctors said it was successful and there were no complications.

Pope Leo awoke normally after surgery and, following a brief period of observation, returned to his room on the hospital’s 10th floor, according to the statement.

10/13/2026

Prayer is powerful medicine.

As Pope Leo XIV is admitted to Gemelli Hospital today for surgery, we join the Diocese of Rome in praying the Rosary for the Holy Father. Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general of Rome, will lead the Rosary at noon EDT (11 a.m. CDT, 10 a.m. MDT, 9 a.m. PDT) in St. John Paul II Chapel inside Gemelli Hospital, and has asked parishes and religious communities in the diocese to pray at the same hour. We invite Catholics across the United States to join them in prayer. You can also watch the livestream from Vatican News on the Vatican News YouTube channel. Please keep Pope Leo and his doctors in your prayers.

10/13/2026

Many prayers for the successful surgery and recovery of the Holy Father Pope Leo as he undergoes lung surgery. May God guide the hands of the surgeons and all who will care for our pontiff.

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin shares with journalists his hope for the Pope's quick recovery from surgery, saying everyone is ...