Pope Leo XIV has thanked the faithful for their prayers and support during his hospitalisation for lung cancer surgery, announcing plans to gradually resume his normal duties following the operation.
The pontiff made his first public appearance since the surgery on Sunday, addressing thousands of worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican during the traditional Angelus blessing.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the 71-year-old pope appeared at a window overlooking the square, a week after revealing that doctors had discovered a nodule in his lung that required surgical removal.
“Now that this delicate phase is behind me, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers,” Leo said, speaking in a strong voice four days after undergoing surgery.
He said his recent experience had brought him closer to people suffering from illnesses and other health challenges.
The pope also expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses and other medical personnel who cared for him at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where the operation was performed.
“I have truly felt your support,” he told the faithful before pausing to wave to the crowd and returning to his apartment in the Apostolic Palace.
Leo underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. It was the first major health crisis of his 17-month pontificate.
Medical examinations confirmed that the tumour was adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. Further histological tests on the tumour and associated lymph nodes were underway to determine whether additional treatment would be necessary.
The results, alongside an analysis of the tumour’s molecular and genetic characteristics, are expected to guide doctors in deciding on the next stage of treatment.
Possible options include chemotherapy, a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, or targeted oral medication depending on the tumour’s genetic profile.
The pope’s next major engagement is a planned November 6–17 visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The demanding trip is expected to involve a dozen flights and two helicopter journeys to high-altitude locations.
His gradual return to public duties comes as medical specialists continue evaluating his recovery and determining whether further treatment will be required.
