Pope Leo XIV thanks Catholics for support after lung cancer surgery

Rome, Italy. Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to Catholics on Wednesday for their prayers and support in his first public communication following lung cancer surgery. In the message, he asked them to keep praying during his hospital recovery.

Operation and recovery

The Vatican said on Tuesday that Leo had undergone surgery in Rome lasting 90 minutes to remove a cancerous growth in his lung. Following the early detection of a nodule, doctors removed one lung’s lower lobe.

His medical team, Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, said his recovery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital was progressing as expected. Reports indicated that he could walk within his room and eat meals, but a discharge date had not been announced.

Leo had disclosed the planned surgery over the weekend while addressing the faithful in St Peter’s Square. He explained then that doctors had identified the lung nodule early. The diagnosis has brought attention to the health of the pontiff, who is 70 and is not known to smoke.

Message to symposium participants

The pope’s message was addressed to people attending a symposium commemorating the 10th anniversary of Amoris laetitia, a document issued by Pope Francis, his predecessor.

“I ask you to pray for me, as I pray for you,” Leo wrote.

He also commended participants’ work and their discussions about family life and the Catholic Church’s pastoral approach. Thanking those involved, he described their sharing of experiences and careful listening as a gift to the whole Church.