rome —
Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance after surgery for lung cancer, speaking from the same Vatican location where he announced a week earlier that he needed surgery, saying the experience had brought him closer to all those suffering.
The 71-year-old pope led Sunday’s Angelus from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square, where thousands of people gathered to applaud, sing and listen to his message.
Leo thanked the doctors for his treatment and everyone who prayed for him, adding that he was gradually returning to his duties as pope.
“This experience has given me a deep affinity for all people experiencing illness and frailty,” he told the crowd.
“Now that this delicate period has passed, we will gradually resume our activities, always with God’s help and your prayers. Thank you again,” he added.
The Pope’s remarks came as thousands of runners taking part in the Rome Marathon jogged along the main walkway leading to St. Peter’s Square, right past the papal residence in the Apostolic Palace.
But at noon, all attention was on Leo XIV, when he appeared at the window of his house, addressed the crowd, and in a firm, powerful voice wished them a happy Sunday.
The pope was discharged from Gemelli Hospital on Saturday after undergoing lung surgery to remove a tumor diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
Doctors say he is recovering well after the surgery and will be able to participate in a trip to Latin America scheduled for November 6th to 17th.
Professor Stefano Margaritola, who performed the surgery on the pope, told Vatican News: “I can say that there is no clinical reason not to operate.”
Last Sunday, Pope Francis made the surprising announcement that he had found a “nodule” in his lung and was scheduled to undergo surgery. News of Tuesday’s cancer diagnosis came as a shock not only within the Vatican but throughout the Catholic world, given that the pope is known for his healthy physique.
The Pope’s visit to Latin America includes Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. Leo served as a missionary and bishop in Peru for many years. His itinerary also includes a stop in Cusco, which is about 3,350 meters above sea level. In Cusco, there is about a third less oxygen available per breath than at sea level.
Sharon Braithwaite and Barbie Latza Nadeau contributed reporting.
