Pope Leo, 71, made his first public appearance since undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his lung, telling a crowd in St Peter’s Square on Sunday that he would now “gradually resume” his activities. The pontiff appeared unaided at the window of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace to deliver his Sunday angelus, where he was welcomed with applause from the gathered faithful.
This public address followed a shock announcement the previous Sunday, when the Pope revealed that a small nodule had been discovered on his lung. Subsequent medical examinations on Tuesday led to a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Surgeons successfully removed a portion of his right lung to extract the tumour. The Pope expressed his gratitude to those who offered prayers during his recovery, noting that the experience had deepened his empathy for “all those who are going through illness or a state of infirmity.”
Reflecting on his progress, Leo stated, “Now that this delicate phase has passed… I will gradually resume my activities, always with the help of God and your prayers.” He was discharged from the Gemelli hospital in Rome on Saturday after doctors determined he was fit to return home following blood tests and a chest X-ray. Medical staff reported on Wednesday that his recovery was progressing normally, though they are still awaiting final test results to determine if the cancer spread and if further treatment is required. While the Vatican initially anticipated a week-long hospital stay, the Pope remained active during his recovery, notably placing a phone call on Friday to Vladimir Putin to advocate for a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
Despite concerns regarding his upcoming 12-day trip to South America scheduled for November, the Pope’s surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, confirmed there were “no clinical reasons” to prevent the travel. Margaritora noted that the Pope has been dedicated to his recovery and is expected to reach full health “in another 10 days or so.” Before this diagnosis, the Pope, who is known for his interest in sports like tennis, was considered to be in good health.
