Not the easiest of times for you, Gee - my sympathies.  What an awful thing for you to find out in such a roundabout way - I wonder at the motives of his colleagues, although I'm sure they're not "sinister".

I agree that, not having the closest of relationships with your boss, it would be difficult to approach him about it.  Perhaps just a subtle "hope it goes well" as he goes out the door??

Sit tight, and see how it plays out.  Good thoughts winging their way to you.