Pope Leo issues first statement after cancer operation as he thanks families

Pope Leo XIV has thanked well wishers for their prayers following successful surgery on Tuesday after his lung cancer diagnosis. The Vatican confirmed the condition of the 71-year-old earlier today after undergoing a procedure to remove a growth on his lung. In the update, the Vatican said his post-operation recovery is "continuing as normal" and he is "awake and walking around his room". The Pope's surgeon and personal doctor said the 90-minute surgery at Rome's Gemelli University Hospital went smoothly. The entire lower lobe of the Pontiff's right lung was cut away to try to remove all traces of adenocarcinoma. Humans typically have three lobes in the right lung and two in the left lung. Pre-operative tests suggested it was the common type of lung cancer, which was confirmed during the operation. The Pontiff is expected to remain in hospital for a week, with all public engagements cancelled until October 20. In a statement, he said: "As you know, I have been unable to be among you during these days. "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. "I am especially grateful to the families who have spoken of their joys, struggles and hopes." LATEST DEVELOPMENTS The Pope first revealed his cancer diagnosis during his weekly Sunday noon blessing in St Peter’s Square. He told pilgrims: "The doctors consider it appropriate to intervene, and so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to have it removed. "I thank you and entrust myself to your prayers." The 71-year-old is said to have spent the night in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome following his surgery. King Charles, 77, is said to be writing privately to the Pope to pass on his well-wishes following his cancer diagnosis, GB News understands. Archbishop Richard Moth, who is Archbishop of Westminster and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, asked people to pray that the Pope "may be restored to full health after a period of rest and recuperation". On confirmation that Pope Leo's surgery had been successful, the the Archbishop said there was a sense of "gratitude and relief". He said: "We now know that Pope Leo was diagnosed with lung carcinoma and, in this month of the Holy Rosary, we entrust his recovery to the maternal care of Our Lady Health of the Sick. "I ask that Catholics in England and Wales, and indeed all people of goodwill, pray for Pope Leo – in our homes and in our parishes – that he may be restored to full health after a period of rest and recuperation. "We also remember all those who are experiencing illness at this time, and keep them, their families and those who care for the sick in our prayers." The diagnosis and operation is the first major health issue of Pope Leo's 17-month tenure as head of the Catholic Church. He is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru next month. Follow related topics: