Pope Leo XIV makes 1st public appearance after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance on Sunday following a surgical procedure for lung cancer conducted five days earlier, addressing assembled crowds in St Peter’s Square from a window within the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace while reassuring the faithful that he would gradually resume his responsibilities, reported ANI.

The 71-year-old pontiff appeared at the window unassisted and delivered his traditional Sunday noon address in a strong, clear voice, smiling as he addressed pilgrims gathered beneath overcast skies. Expressing appreciation to people around the world for their prayers and support, Leo noted that he had successfully passed a delicate phase in his recovery and would gradually resume his engagements with continued prayers and divine assistance.

"I would like to thank all those who have prayed for me in recent days. I have truly sensed your support. Thank you! I wish to express my particular gratitude to the doctors, nurses and all the staff of the Gemelli Hospital. This experience has made me feel particularly close to all those who are living with illness or infirmity. 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."

He further urged pilgrims to abandon selfish ambitions and serve the Almighty without reservation. The appearance marked Leo's first public engagement since undergoing surgery on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.

The operation, which took place during the 71-year-old’s 17-month papacy, had raised questions about how his physical condition might affect his ability to fulfil his duties as supreme pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, which represents approximately 1.4 billion adherents.

Catholic devotees gathered in St Peter’s Square to welcome Leo following his discharge from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, four days after the procedure. The Holy Father had indicated that he was recovering well, telling a journalist in English that he felt considerably better upon leaving the medical facility.

The surgical procedure confirmed that Leo had adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Examinations of the tumour and associated lymph nodes were ongoing, with the results expected to help clinicians determine whether additional treatment would be necessary.

Leo’s next major engagement is an international visit scheduled for November 6 to 17, covering Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. His surgeon, Dr Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News on Saturday that there were no clinical reasons to rule out the visit.

Margaritora said the pontiff had shown considerable commitment to his recovery and was expected to recover fully from the operation within approximately 10 more days. The findings from the ongoing examinations will help determine whether any additional medical procedures are required as Leo continues his recovery and prepares to resume his public duties.