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- calendar_today October 14, 2026
Pope Leo XIV Issues First Message After Lung Surgery
Pope Leo XIV, who recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his lung, has released his first pontifical message since announcing his surgery plans over the past weekend. The message was delivered on Tuesday, coinciding with a Vatican meeting marking the 10th anniversary of "Amoris Laetitia," a significant text in Catholic teachings.
Pontiff Acknowledges Absence and Thanks Supporters
In the message, Pope Leo addressed his recent absence and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Catholic community and clergy. "As you know, I have been unable to be among you during these days," Pope Leo wrote. He thanked those who had offered prayers and for their continued efforts, noting, "Your sharing of experiences and attentive listening are indeed a gift to the whole Church."
Continuing the Mission of 'Amoris Laetitia'
Pope Leo encouraged Catholics to draw inspiration from "Amoris Laetitia" (“The Joy of Love”), originally published by Pope Francis in 2016. The text remains influential in shaping teachings for modern Catholic families and those who are divorced. Pope Leo urged the community to continue engaging with its themes and lessons.
Pope Asks for Prayers and Offers Apostolic Blessing
In his pontifical message, Pope Leo requested prayers from the faithful but did not specify the reason. It is common for popes to ask the community for support through prayer, and his predecessor, Pope Francis, frequently did the same. "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," Pope Leo wrote, concluding with an Apostolic Blessing to all recipients.
Updates on Surgery and Recovery
The Vatican provided updates on Pope Leo’s health and recovery following the surgery. Doctors confirmed that the pope has resumed eating regular meals, started walking in his room, and begun respiratory exercises. Blood tests and a chest X-ray indicated that the 71-year-old pontiff is recovering as expected. Dr. Luigi Carbone, his personal physician, and Dr. Stefano Margaritora, a thoracic surgeon, stated, "Recovery is proceeding as planned." The surgery revealed that Pope Leo had lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer, and surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
Speculation About Future Travels
As questions remain about the full extent of the pope’s condition and whether the cancer may have spread, some, including Peru’s president, have speculated that Pope Leo might need to change his upcoming travel plans to Latin America scheduled for next month. However, official details regarding future trips are yet to be confirmed as his recovery continues.
Source: krqe.com.
