Pope Leo XIV Breaks Silence After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV has broken the silence, thanking fellow Catholics for their prayers following his surgery for lung cancer in Rome, in his first message since undergoing the procedure.

In a statement issued on Wednesday to Catholics participating in a symposium marking the 10th anniversary of Amoris laetitia, a document written by his predecessor, Pope Francis, on the Church’s work with couples and families, Leo expressed appreciation for their support.

“As you know, I have been unable to be among you during these days,” he wrote.

“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.”

Leo was diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer, during a 90-minute surgical procedure in Rome on Tuesday, according to medical staff who treated him.

The procedure involved removing the lower lobe of one of his lungs.

The pope’s recovery is “proceeding as expected,” Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said in a statement.

Leo has reportedly been able to walk around his hospital quarters, while the Vatican spokesperson said on Wednesday that the pontiff concelebrated Mass with other priests in a room specially arranged on his floor.

The pope announced his planned surgery in a speech to the faithful at St Peter’s Square over the weekend, saying the growth on his lung had been detected at an early stage.

Although Leo is not known to be a smoker and has maintained a healthy lifestyle, there is a history of cancer in his immediate family. His older brother, Louis Prevost, is currently receiving treatment for cancer, while their parents died of the disease in the 1990s.

Following the surgery, the pope has cancelled all public appearances until October 20 to focus on his treatment and recovery.

However, he is expected to embark on a lengthy trip to South America next month.