Pope Leo XIV greeted thousands of worshippers at the Vatican on Sunday, thanking supporters and medical personnel after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous portion of his right lung.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance since undergoing lung cancer surgery Sunday, Oct. 18, addressing approximately 15,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square and announcing that he intends to gradually resume his papal responsibilities.
The 71-year-old pontiff appeared at the window of the Apostolic Palace to lead the traditional Angelus prayer, drawing applause and cheers from worshippers who had gathered following his discharge from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday.
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Speaking clearly just five days after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung, Leo expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he received during his hospitalization.
“Now that this delicate phase is behind me, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers,” the pope said, according to Reuters’ account of his return.
The appearance marked his return to the same window where, one week earlier, he had revealed that doctors discovered a small nodule in his lung and recommended surgery.
Leo underwent the procedure Tuesday, Oct. 13, after preliminary examinations indicated that the growth was localized. Surgeons subsequently confirmed that the tumor was pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
The operation was completed without complications, and the pope returned to the Vatican earlier than initially anticipated.
During Sunday’s appearance, Leo reflected on his hospitalization and the experiences of others confronting serious medical conditions.
The experience “has made me feel especially close to those facing illness and infirmity,” he said.
He added that he had “truly felt your support,” while expressing “particular gratitude to the doctors, nurses and all the staff at Gemelli hospital” who cared for him.
After delivering his blessing, the pontiff paused to wave to the crowd before withdrawing into his apartment.
Among those celebrating were members of an African delegation visiting Rome for a congress. Several participants danced and ululated following the pope’s appearance.
“He was always in our prayers when he was sick, and we are happy to see him today,” said Alain Kalembu of the Democratic Republic of Congo. “This is an expression of our joy.”
Visitors from the United States were particularly enthusiastic about the return of the first American-born pontiff.
Marla Marsala of Michigan had originally planned to attend a Mass with Leo the previous week, but the event was canceled because of his hospitalization.
“I am just happy that we are praying with him today instead of for him, like we were before,” Marsala said.
“It was a tough week for all of the people who love him, which are many. He seems like a very strong soul. So I think he will pull through and fight it, and succeed and keep doing the wonderful work he is doing.”
Claire Holland, visiting from Jacksonville, Florida, described herself as “very blessed” to witness the pope’s return.
“I’m so happy that he has recovered so quickly. I think there have been millions and millions of prayers. And he is a strong, determined man, and I am so happy that he is feeling well enough to do this,” Holland said.
Others expressed surprise at how quickly Leo had resumed a public appearance after major lung surgery.
“I don’t believe it, because he was just operated on the other day,” said Cosimo Mastrocinque, a retired factory worker visiting from Italy’s Puglia region. “It is a miracle that he recovered already.”
The pope’s recovery has been closely monitored since doctors removed the affected lung lobe using a minimally invasive, video-assisted surgical procedure.
Following his discharge Saturday, Leo told a reporter that he was doing “much better.”
His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, said the pontiff had made encouraging progress and could potentially resume his full schedule after additional recovery.
“The Holy Father has put his heart and soul into his recovery,” Margaritora told Vatican News.
The surgeon estimated that Leo could recover fully from the operation “in another 10 days or so.”
Medical testing remains underway to determine whether further cancer treatment will be required.
Doctors are examining tissue removed during surgery, including nearby lymph nodes, to assess whether cancer cells have spread. Additional molecular and genetic analysis may help determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
Depending on those findings, possible options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted medications. No decision about additional therapy has been announced.
The Vatican has meanwhile maintained plans for Leo’s scheduled Nov. 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, although his recovery could require adjustments.
The ambitious itinerary includes approximately a dozen flights, two helicopter journeys and visits to high-altitude locations.
Margaritora said Saturday that “there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place.”
Despite that assessment, Vatican officials are expected to review the pope’s activities as his recovery continues. Public engagements have been canceled through at least the beginning of the coming week, and his participation in Wednesday’s general audience remains uncertain.
Sunday’s appearance provided the first opportunity for the faithful to see Leo conducting a traditional Vatican ceremony since his operation.
Although the results of further cancer testing remain pending, the pontiff’s return to St. Peter’s Square marked an important stage in his recovery as he prepares to resume his public ministry.
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