Pope Leo XIV Leads Sunday Prayer in First Public Appearance Since Lung Cancer Surgery
The 71-year-old pontiff appeared at the window of the Apostolic Palace on Sunday to lead the Angelus prayer, a day after his release from Rome's Gemelli hospital, and said he would gradually resume his papal duties.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV led the Sunday Angelus prayer from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, his first major public appearance since undergoing surgery for lung cancer. Thousands of faithful gathered below, cheering as the 71-year-old pontiff appeared at the window of his residence and addressed them in a clear, strong voice.
“I have truly felt your support. Thank you,” the smiling pontiff told the crowd before leading the prayer, according to USA Today. He thanked the doctors, nurses and staff at Rome’s Gemelli hospital for his treatment and said the experience had moved him. “This experience has given me a profound sense of closeness to all those who are going through illness or a state of infirmity,” he said, adding: “Now that this delicate phase has passed, I will gradually resume my activities, always with the help of God and your prayers.”
A week that began with an announcement
Leo underwent surgery on Oct. 13 to remove a growth from his right lung that doctors had discovered at a health checkup. The growth was later diagnosed as an adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. He announced the planned operation himself a week earlier during the same Sunday prayer, and the cancer diagnosis on Tuesday drew attention across the Catholic world. Doctors described the surgery as successful, though they have not disclosed the size of the tumor or whether the disease had spread, Reuters reported.
Leo was discharged from Gemelli hospital on Saturday and returned to the Vatican. Before delivering Sunday’s prayer, he urged the faithful below to serve God “without compromise.”
Latin America trip to go forward
Doctors say Leo has made a good recovery. His surgeon, Professor Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican news there were no clinical reasons the pope could not make a planned trip to Latin America from Nov. 6 to 17, which includes Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The Vatican said the trip will “go forward,” according to USA Today. Leo served as a missionary and bishop in Peru for a number of years, and the itinerary includes a stop in Cusco, which sits about 3,350 meters above sea level.
The Vatican has canceled the pope’s other public appearances until Wednesday, Oct. 21. During Sunday’s address, thousands of runners taking part in the Rome marathon jogged up the main walkway into St. Peter’s Square before all eyes turned to the pope’s window at midday.
Reporting based on coverage by CNN and USA Today.
