Pope shares first message after lung cancer diagnosis

Pope Leo XIV Offers Thanks as He Recovers From Lung Cancer Surgery

Healfromzero.com – Pope Leo XIV has issued a message of gratitude to Catholics praying for him as he recovers in Rome following surgery for lung cancer.

The statement, released Wednesday, was his first public communication since doctors operated the previous day to remove the lower lobe of one of his lungs. Medical staff identified the illness as pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a commonly occurring form of lung cancer.

Leo addressed participants gathered for a symposium marking the 10th anniversary of Amoris laetitia, the document written by Pope Francis on the Church’s pastoral work with couples and families. Though unable to attend in person, he used the occasion to recognize both their work and the support offered during his hospitalization.

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

In his message, the pope thanked those involved in the gathering for their discussions and their willingness to listen to one another. He described that exchange as valuable to the wider Church, linking the symposium’s focus on family life with the importance of shared reflection among Catholics.

“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 ended with a personal appeal for continued prayer while assuring the participants that they remained in his own prayers.

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

Recovery described as expected

The operation lasted 90 minutes and took place in Rome on Tuesday. Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora said the pope’s recovery was moving forward as anticipated.

Leo has already been able to walk within his hospital quarters. On Wednesday, he also joined other priests in celebrating Mass in a room prepared on his floor, an indication that he is continuing parts of his daily religious routine while receiving care.

The Vatican had already made clear that the pope’s schedule would be adjusted during his treatment and recovery. All public appearances have been cancelled through October 20, giving him time away from the demands of ceremonies, audiences and travel.

The pause comes shortly before a planned journey to South America next month. No change to that trip has been announced, but its timing will naturally depend on his continued recovery and the medical guidance he receives in the coming weeks.

An early discovery

Before entering hospital, Leo spoke to people gathered in St. Peter’s Square over the weekend about the planned procedure. He said a growth on his lung had been detected at an early stage, a detail that provided important context for the decision to proceed with surgery.

Removal of part of a lung can be used when doctors need to treat disease contained in a specific area. The lower lobe is one of the sections that make up a lung, and the procedure described in the medical update involved taking out that section rather than the entire organ.

The pope is not known to smoke and has sought to maintain a healthy lifestyle. His diagnosis nevertheless carries a deeply personal dimension because cancer has affected his immediate family. His older brother, Louis Prevost, is receiving treatment for cancer, while both of their parents died from the disease during the 1990s.

That family history gives added weight to the pope’s brief request for prayer. His message did not dwell on his condition, instead emphasizing gratitude, faith and the work of Catholics gathered to consider the Church’s support for families.

Continuing a pastoral message from hospital

The symposium’s anniversary focus reflects the continuing importance of Amoris laetitia in discussions of marriage, parenting and family life within the Catholic Church. By choosing this event for his first message after surgery, Leo kept attention on the participants’ contribution even as concern remained centered on his health.

For Catholics following the pope’s recovery, Wednesday’s statement offered several signs of continuity: he remains engaged with Church events, has celebrated Mass while hospitalized, and has expressed appreciation for the prayers being offered around the world.

His immediate public calendar is on hold until October 20, but the message from Rome made clear that he intends to remain spiritually connected to the faithful during that period. The coming days will be closely watched as he continues recovering from the operation and prepares for the next phase of treatment and rest.