Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful during the Angelus prayer from the window of his Vatican Apostolic Palace quarters on Sunday, marking his first public appearance since undergoing surgery for a cancerous lung tumor and being discharged from the hospital just a day prior.
A crowd of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square welcomed the pope with enthusiastic applause as he appeared at the window at noon, as reported by EFE from the Vatican.
Taking advantage of the moment, the pope expressed his heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of support he received during his recovery: "I want to thank everyone who has prayed for me during these days. I truly felt your support. Thank you!"
He also extended special gratitude to the team at Rome's Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic, where he underwent a 90-minute video-assisted surgery on Tuesday, October 13, to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.
The histological examination confirmed that the tumor was a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the most common subtype of this cancer, which was incidentally discovered during routine abdominal tests, despite the pope not exhibiting any respiratory symptoms.
The pontiff shared a personal reflection on his experience: "This journey has allowed me to feel a special closeness with all those who are living with illness or in a state of illness."
Concluding his address, Leo XIV announced his intention to gradually resume his duties: "Having overcome this delicate stage, as you know, I will progressively resume my activities, always with God's help and your prayers."
This appearance comes exactly a week after the pope himself announced during the previous Sunday's Angelus that he needed surgery for a "very early" and "well-localized" lung nodule.
Following the operation, Leo XIV was discharged on Saturday after blood tests and a chest X-ray confirmed he was fit to leave the medical facility, just four days post-surgery.
The surgeon in charge, Professor Stefano Margaritora, head of the Thoracic Surgery Unit at Gemelli, described the pope's condition as "absolutely satisfactory," dispelling concerns about his international travel plans.
"I would say there are no clinical reasons preventing the trip," Margaritora stated, referring to the apostolic visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, scheduled from November 6 to 17.
The Prefecture of the Papal Household had suspended all papal audiences until Tuesday, October 20, while doctors await final results on the tumor's molecular and genetic composition to determine if further treatment is necessary.
Margaritora estimated that the pope would need about ten more days for full physical recovery, leaving approximately three weeks before the start of the Latin American journey, a trip of special significance for Leo XIV due to his longstanding connection with the region.
Pope Leo XIV's Health and Upcoming Plans
What type of surgery did Pope Leo XIV undergo?
Pope Leo XIV underwent a 90-minute video-assisted surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung due to a cancerous tumor.
What was the nature of Pope Leo XIV's tumor?
The tumor was identified as a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the most common subtype of lung cancer, discovered incidentally during routine abdominal tests.
When is Pope Leo XIV expected to resume his duties?
Pope Leo XIV plans to gradually resume his duties, with full recovery expected in about ten days, allowing him to prepare for his upcoming Latin American trip.
How did the Vatican respond to the pope's health situation?
The Vatican canceled all papal audiences until October 20 while awaiting final results on the tumor's composition to decide if further treatment is needed.