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.
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