LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Louisville Archbishop Joseph Kurtz asked for prayers Wednesday as he announced his battle with cancer.

Making the announcement in his July 10 briefing, Kurtz said he has been diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma in his bladder and prostate. He will receive immunotherapy and chemotherapy for at least 12 weeks at the Duke University Cancer Institute. At the end of the treatment, he will have his bladder and prostate removed.

“While the doctor gives me good cause for optimism, there are always dangers and unexpected issues that can arise during cancer treatment, so I ask for your continued prayers,” Kurtz said in the briefing.

Kurtz said he would stay in North Carolina for the duration of the treatment. Kurtz has served has the Archbishop of Louisville since 2007.