Pope Leo XIV has issued his first public statement since his lung cancer diagnosis as the Vatican provides an update on his post-surgery recovery.
In a message to clergy members and Catholics, the pope acknowledged his absence from recent gatherings and expressed gratitude for the support and work of those who had continued their activities in his absence.
“As you know, I have been unable to be among you during these days,” Pope Leo 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.”
The message was read on Wednesday at the conclusion of the conference 10 Years After Amoris Laetitia: Proclaiming the Gospel with Families Today.
The pontiff also called for continued prayers as he recovers in hospital and enters the next stage of the diagnosis.
“Entrusting each of you to the protection of the Holy Family of Nazareth, I ask you please to pray for me, as I pray for you,” he added.
The pope was diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer, during a 90-minute surgery in Rome yesterday where surgeons removed the lower lobe of one of his lungs.
In an update on Wednesday, his two doctors, Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora, said blood tests and a chest X-ray confirmed a normal post-operative recovery.
“The Holy Father underwent respiratory physiotherapy and has begun walking in his room. He resumed his regular diet and had breakfast and lunch,” they reported.
“Recovery is proceeding as planned.”
The Vatican said earlier on Wednesday that the pope spent a peaceful night in Rome’s Gemelli hospital after doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung and confirmed he has cancer.
Experts said further tests are needed to know if the disease has spread and if more treatment is needed.
The surgery showed the 71-year-old pontiff has the most common type of lung cancer, known as lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said in a medical bulletin late Tuesday.
The Vatican said the surgery lasted approximately 90 minutes and was successful, with no complications.
The press office pointed to the medical statement’s mention of the “radical” removal of the lobe as an indication that doctors took out all suspect tissue in hopes of removing any lingering traces of the cancer.
The right lung has three sections or lobes while the left has two.
After one lobe is removed, the rest of the lung can gradually compensate, especially in otherwise healthy and physically active people.
The pope is known to be sporty, with weekly tennis games and swimming.
with AP