Pope Leo XIV thanked the faithful for their prayers after surgery for lung cancer

Pope Leo XIV thanked Catholic faithful on Wednesday for their prayers, in his first message delivered after undergoing surgery for lung cancer in Rome. The pontiff was unable to attend a symposium dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the document “Amoris laetitia,” written by Pope Francis.

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and for the work you have carried out together,” Pope Leo said. He asked the faithful to pray for him, saying that he, in turn, is praying for them.

Pope Leo, 71, was diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of cancer. On Tuesday, doctors removed the lower lobe of one of his lungs in a procedure that lasted approximately 90 minutes.

The Vatican announced that the surgery was successful and without complications. No information has yet been provided about the size of the tumor or its possible spread to the lymph nodes, important details in determining the prognosis. On Thursday morning, the Vatican said that the pope had a good night in hospital and had eaten breakfast.