Jakarta, ThedailyID — Pope Leo XIV has thanked Catholics worldwide for their prayers following surgery to remove part of his right lung.
The pontiff recently left the hospital after undergoing the procedure on Tuesday, October 13. The Vatican reported that he had been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer.
“I express my deepest gratitude for your prayers and for the work you have done together,” Pope Leo said in a message to Catholics attending a symposium marking the 10th anniversary of Amoris laetitia.
The apostolic exhortation, written by the late Pope Francis, addresses love, marriage, and family life. Pope Leo had been unable to attend the gathering in person during his hospital stay.
“Sharing experiences and listening attentively are truly gifts for the entire Church. Please pray for me, as I pray for you,” he added.
The Vatican announced the diagnosis on Tuesday, identifying the condition as lung adenocarcinoma. The disease can affect both smokers and non-smokers, while Pope Leo is known to have never smoked.
Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said the pontiff’s recovery was progressing as expected.
According to their statement, Pope Leo could walk around his hospital room and celebrate Mass with other priests in a specially prepared room.
The pope had previously disclosed that doctors found a small nodule in his lung during a routine medical examination. He announced the planned surgery during his Sunday prayer at St. Peter’s Square.
The procedure required a week-long hospital stay. As a result, the Vatican canceled all papal audiences through October 20.
