Pope Leo Leads Prayer Service Following Lung Cancer Surgery
The pontiff, released from the hospital just four days prior, appeared at his Apostolic Palace window to lead worshippers in St. Peter's Square.
Pope Leo was cheered by thousands of worshippers in St. Peter's Square on Sunday as he led a prayer service, marking his first public appearance since undergoing lung cancer surgery. The 71-year-old leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics appeared at the window of his Apostolic Palace to choruses of "Viva il papa! (Hooray for the Pope!)" and expressed gratitude for the well-wishers.
"Having overcome this delicate phase... I will now gradually resume my activities, always with the help of God and your prayers," Pope Leo said. He told the faithful that he had "truly felt your support" and expressed "particular gratitude to the doctors, nurses and all the staff at Gemelli hospital" where he was treated. He also urged pilgrims to set aside selfish ambitions and serve God "without compromise."
The Pope had been released from the hospital on Saturday, four days after a 90-minute procedure to remove a cancerous mass from his lung. A lesion found on his chest led to a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, and a portion of his right lung was removed. Histological testing of the tumor and related lymph nodes is currently underway to help determine if additional treatment, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted oral therapy, will be necessary.
Despite the recent surgery, his surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, stated there are no clinical reasons to preclude the Pope's upcoming trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6-17. He anticipates the Pope will recover fully from the surgery in approximately ten days.
Prior to his release, Pope Leo had offered a rare level of transparency regarding his health, announcing the discovery of a lung nodule to the faithful on the previous Sunday. The Vatican has historically maintained secrecy about the health of pontiffs. Since his surgery, the Pope has indicated a strong recovery, including a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and meetings with aides. His personal doctor has also noted his ability to carry on "normal daily activities completely on his own."
On Saturday, the Vatican released images of the Pope since his surgery, showing him presiding over Mass in a hospital chapel. The pontiff appeared well and spoke in a firm, clear voice during Sunday's Angelus prayer service, waving to the crowd before retreating into his apartment.