Evangelist Luis Palau, Battling Lung Cancer, placed in Hospice Care

Evangelist Luis Palau is in hospice care after taking a turn for the worse in his three-year battle with lung cancer.

Palau’s family said in a Feb. 26 blog post that after meeting with doctors, they had reached a decision to stop all treatment. 

“We don’t know exactly how much time we have left with Dad, but the end seems near,” the post said, adding that he is in good spirits and not in pain, “which is a blessing.”

The family said Palau had become unable to tolerate the medications and treatments, and went home last week to rest more comfortably and spend time with family, including fulfilling a final wish to spend one-on-one time with each of his grandchildren.

Access to MinistryWatch content is free.  However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts.  To make a donation, click here.

The 86-year-old spent two weeks in the hospital in January with heart and lung issues after tests connected with a routine chemotherapy infusion caused concerns but was able to return home after his condition stabilized.

Known as the Billy Graham of Latin America, Palau has preached the gospel to more than 1 billion people during his 60-year ministry. 

In a February interview with John Jessup of CBN News, Palau said, “I’m not begging to be healed because I don’t know God’s purposes. And I trust him entirely. The only sad thing is leaving my wife and my kids and the team and a few of my best friends. That’s the only thing, but really, I’m ready to go. I have the peace of the Lord.”

The family thanked Palau’s supporters for their encouragement, prayers, and friendship and invited them to send notes of encouragement. 

“We’re taking as much time as possible with Dad each day to read the emails and notes we receive,” they said. “Thank you for your love and prayers. We are all at peace. We serve a good God who loves us beyond compare.”