Pope Leo XIV Resumes Public Duties After Lung Cancer Surgery
The pontiff led the Angelus prayer from his Vatican residence on Sunday, expressing gratitude for prayers and well-wishes following his recent operation.
Pope Leo XIV reappeared at his Vatican residence on Sunday to lead the Angelus prayer, marking a return to public papal duties just days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. A crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square cheered as the pontiff appeared at the window of his apartment.
"I wish to thank all those who have prayed for me these past few days; I have truly felt your support," Pope Leo said. "Thank you."
The 71-year-old pope had been admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, where doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung and diagnosed him with lung cancer, according to the Vatican. He was discharged from the hospital on Saturday.
Despite the recent surgery, the pope resumed his work activities by Thursday, the Vatican confirmed. On Sunday, he expressed "special gratitude" to the medical staff at Gemelli Hospital, stating, "This experience has made me feel, in a special way, the closeness to all those who are going through illness and a medical condition."
"Now that I have overcome this delicate phase, as you know, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers," Pope Leo added. "Thank you again. Thank you all and have a blessed Sunday!"
His appearance on Sunday for the Angelus prayer comes a week after he announced that doctors had discovered a nodule on his lung.