Pope Leo XIV has thanked Catholics for their prayers and support following surgery for lung cancer in Rome, in his first public message since undergoing the procedure.
The pontiff expressed his appreciation in a message issued on Wednesday to participants at a Vatican symposium marking the 10th anniversary of Amoris laetitia, a document on marriage and family life published by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
“As you know, I have been unable to be among you during these days,” Leo wrote, acknowledging his absence while recovering in hospital.
“I thank you warmly for your prayers and for the work you have done together. Your sharing of experiences and attentive listening are indeed a gift to the whole Church,” he said.
“I ask you please to pray for me, as I pray for you.”
The message offered a personal update as the 70-year-old pontiff continued his recovery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following surgery on Tuesday, October 13.
Pope’s Recovery Progressing Well
According to the Vatican, doctors removed the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung during an operation lasting approximately 90 minutes.
Medical examinations during the procedure confirmed a diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer.
The surgical team, led by Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, reported that the operation was successful and concluded without complications.
In a subsequent medical update, the Vatican said the pope’s postoperative recovery was progressing normally, with blood tests and a chest X-ray showing results within the expected range.
Leo has also begun walking around his hospital room, resumed eating normally and undertaken respiratory physiotherapy.
The Vatican further disclosed that he celebrated Mass with other priests in a room arranged on his hospital floor.
On Thursday, the Holy See Press Office reported that the pope had spent a good second night in hospital and had got up for breakfast.
However, the full extent of the cancer and whether further treatment will be required had not been established in the reports available at the time.
Public Engagements Suspended
The pope has cancelled his public engagements until October 20 to concentrate on his recovery.
The temporary suspension has affected his participation in church activities, including the Vatican symposium examining the Catholic Church’s engagement with couples and families a decade after the publication of Amoris laetitia.
Despite his hospitalisation, Leo has continued communicating with members of the Church through messages.
His latest statement highlighted his appreciation for the prayers and support he has received from Catholics during his recovery.
South American Trip Still Planned
The pontiff is scheduled to undertake a visit to South America from November 6 to 17, with planned stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
The Vatican has not announced a change to the itinerary following his surgery. However, his ability to undertake the trip will depend on his recovery and medical advice.
The operation comes as Catholics worldwide follow updates on the pope’s health.
For now, the Vatican’s latest updates indicate that his recovery is progressing as expected, although doctors are continuing to assess his condition following the removal of the affected portion of his lung.
