Pope thanks wellwishers for prayers after cancer operation

Pope Leo has thanked wellwishers for their prayers after his cancer operation.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Vatican said he was "progressing as expected" and had spent a peaceful night in hospital.

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."

Leo, 71, had part of his right lung removed during Tuesday's procedure and he was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma - the most common form of the disease.

The Pope's surgeon and his personal doctor said the 90-minute surgery at Rome's Gemelli University Hospital went smoothly.

The entire lower lobe of his right lung was cut away to try to remove all traces of cancer. Humans have three lobes in the right lung and two in the left.

Pre-operative tests suggested adenocarcinoma, and this was confirmed during the operation, the Vatican said.

Well-wishes for the Pope have poured in from around the world. Sky News understands the King will write privately to the pontiff following his diagnosis.

The Pope is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru next month.

Church officials in Argentina, the homeland of Leo's predecessor Pope Francis, urged parishioners to put the pontiff's well-being ahead of their excitement over the country's first papal visit in four decades.

Leaders across Argentina's deep ideological divide, from right-wing president Javier Milei to left-wing governor of Buenos Aires, Axel Kicillof, joined in wishing the pope a speedy recovery.

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In Chiclayo, one of Peru's largest cities, excitement over Leo's anticipated homecoming turned to apprehension after his diagnosis.

"Because of the affection that we feel for the Holy Father, who is also our bishop, we're worried about his health and about what will come next," said the Rev. Elmer Uchofen, who recalled how the future pope helped secure oxygen production plants during the COVID-19 pandemic, waded through mud in rubber boots to aid flood victims and celebrated Mass with prisoners in Chiclayo.

In Uruguay, Cardinal Daniel Sturla, the archbishop of Montevideo, said "First, let us pray that he comes."

Pope Leo XIV is expected to remain in hospital for about a week and his diary has been cleared until 20 October.

(c) Sky News 2026: Pope thanks wellwishers for prayers after cancer operation