POPE LEO XIV RESUMES PUBLIC APPEARANCE AFTER LUNG CANCER SURGERY

Pope Leo XIV has made his first major public appearance since undergoing surgery to remove part of his right lung, telling thousands of worshippers at St Peter’s Square that he would gradually resume his activities.

The 71-year-old pontiff addressed the crowd on Sunday, October 18, after being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday. He appeared in good spirits and spoke normally during his traditional Angelus prayer and address.

“I would like to thank all the people who have been praying for me in these days,” Leo told the crowd, adding that he would gradually return to his duties after overcoming the delicate phase of his treatment.

Worshippers Welcome Pope’s Return

Crowds in St Peter’s Square welcomed the pope with chants of “Viva il papa!” as he appeared at the window of the Apostolic Palace.

Several worshippers expressed relief at his return, while also urging him to allow enough time for a full recovery.

Christopher Butler, a 68-year-old parish priest from Leeds, England, described Leo as a great shepherd for the Catholic Church. He said the pope appeared eager to return to his responsibilities but needed time to recover fully.

Soledad Espinosa, 59, from Ecuador, also welcomed reports that the pope might be able to travel to Latin America next month, while other worshippers expressed hope for his continued recovery.

Doctors Give Positive Recovery Assessment

The pope’s surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News that Leo was in “absolutely satisfactory clinical condition” and estimated that he would need about ten more days to recover fully.

Margaritora said the tumour was discovered by chance during a routine abdominal X-ray that captured a small spot at the base of the pope’s right lung.

Although the surgeon described the operation as routine, he praised Leo’s commitment to recovery. However, results of tests to determine whether the cancer had spread were still pending.

November Trip Remains in Focus

The surgery had raised questions about the pope’s planned November 6–17 visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, where he spent two decades as a missionary.

However, Margaritora said he saw no clinical reason the trip should not proceed, although the pope’s recovery and medical advice remain important considerations.

Leo has already resumed some duties, including a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, during which he urged a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky.

The pope’s return to public view has reassured many Catholics, although further medical assessments will help determine the pace of his recovery and his ability to resume a full schedule.