Pope Leo XIV announced his gradual return to official duties on Sunday, Oct. 18, drawing cheers from approximately 15,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square following surgery for lung cancer.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. According to medical information released by the Vatican, tests confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a diagnosis doctors had suspected before the operation. The Vatican said the 90-minute procedure was “successful, and there were no complications.”
Leo was discharged on Oct. 17, four days after surgery. During his Sunday Angelus address, he thanked the faithful for their prayers and support.
“I have truly sensed your support,” Leo said, adding that he would “gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers.”
The pope also expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses and medical staff at Gemelli Hospital, saying his experience had strengthened his connection with people suffering from illness.
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His appearance prompted an enthusiastic response from the crowd. According to the Associated Press, an African delegation visiting Rome for a congress celebrated by dancing following the pontiff’s blessing.
“This is an expression of our joy,” said Alain Kalembu of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who had prayed for the pope during his hospitalization.
American tourist Marla Marsala of Michigan, whose plans to attend a papal Mass the previous week were disrupted by the surgery, expressed similar relief.
“I am just happy that we are praying with him today instead of for him,” Marsala said.
The pope’s plans
Despite his return to public duties, Leo will continue recovering at the Vatican rather than travel to his customary residence in Castel Gandolfo.
According to an Oct. 19 announcement from Vatican News, the pontiff is scheduled to hold his weekly General Audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Further details about his upcoming engagements have not been announced.
His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News in an Oct. 17 interview that he expected the pope to recover fully “in another ten days or so.”
Leo is also preparing for an extensive South American tour scheduled for Nov. 6–17, with stops in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The itinerary includes approximately a dozen flights and two helicopter journeys to high-altitude destinations.
Asked whether the trip could proceed, Margaritora said there were “no clinical reasons why it should not take place.”
Doctors are continuing to analyze the tumor and associated lymph nodes to determine whether additional cancer treatment will be necessary.
Meanwhile, the pope has maintained diplomatic activity throughout his recovery.
On Oct. 16, Leo spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky, in the Kherson region.
According to a statement published by Vatican News, the pontiff expressed “deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation” and called for a ceasefire to permit food deliveries, medical assistance and the safe evacuation of civilians.
The Vatican said Leo also reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to “promoting dialogue and peace.”
On Oct. 19, the pope spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reiterating his appeal for humanitarian access to Oleshky and expressing hope that cooperation between Russia and Ukraine would allow civilians to receive aid or evacuate safely.
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