Pope Leo Shares First Message Following Lung Cancer Diagnosis

(Rome) -- Pope Leo is thanking Catholics for their prayers in his first public message since undergoing lung cancer surgery. The 71-year-old pontiff asked followers to continue praying for him in a statement Wednesday. Vatican officials say Leo's recovery is progressing normally, with blood tests and a chest X-ray showing expected results. The pope has resumed eating normally and begun walking after doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung Tuesday. Leo continues recovering at Rome's Gemelli Hospital and has canceled public appearances through October 20th. The pope is still scheduled to travel to South America next month.