Pope Leo XIV, who had a cancerous mass removed from his lung on Tuesday, has issued his first pontifical message since revealing his surgery plans over the weekend.

The pope briefly addressed his absence in the message, which was also issued Tuesday to recognize a meeting celebrating the 10th anniversary of “Amoris Laetitia,” a text published by predecessor Pope Francis in 2016.

“As you know, I have been unable to be among you during these days,” Pope Leo wrote in the message, which was addressed to Catholics and clergy members. “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.”

Pope Leo, in his remarks, encouraged followers to continue “drawing on the richness” of “Amoris Laetitia” (or “The Joy of Love”), which Pope Francis had written to help shape Catholic teachings aimed at modern families and divorced followers.