Pope Leo XIV has thanked well-wishers around the world for their prayers and support following his recent lung cancer surgery, assuring Catholics that he will gradually resume his responsibilities as head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The 71-year-old pontiff made the remarks on Sunday, October 18, during his first public appearance since undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
Standing at a window of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, the Pope addressed pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square for his traditional Sunday Angelus prayer. He appeared without assistance and spoke in a firm, clear voice, offering reassurance about his recovery after days of concern among Catholics and other well-wishers worldwide.
“Having overcome this delicate phase … I will now gradually resume my activities, always with the help of God and your prayers,” Leo said, expressing gratitude for the support he had received during his hospital stay.
His appearance came a day after he was discharged from the hospital, four days after undergoing the operation. Doctors approved his return to the Vatican following medical assessments, including blood tests and a chest X-ray, which indicated that his postoperative recovery was progressing satisfactorily.
The surgery took place on Tuesday, October 13, after doctors identified a cancerous nodule in his right lung. Subsequent testing confirmed that the tumour was adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer. The procedure involved removing the lower lobe of the affected lung.
The diagnosis raised questions about how the Pope’s health might affect his demanding schedule and leadership of the worldwide Catholic community, which has approximately 1.4 billion members.
Despite the medical challenge, the Vatican reported encouraging signs during his hospital recovery. Before his discharge, Leo had resumed work activities, undertaken physical therapy and participated in Mass at the hospital chapel. Medical updates also indicated that his recovery was progressing as expected.
His return to the Vatican and appearance before the faithful offered a visible sign of progress, although his promise to resume duties gradually suggests that his recovery will remain an important consideration as his schedule develops.
During Sunday’s address, the Pope also encouraged the faithful to set aside selfish ambitions and serve God without compromise. His message combined appreciation for the prayers offered on his behalf with a reminder of the spiritual responsibilities he continues to emphasise in his ministry.
The gathering in St Peter’s Square reflected the concern and relief felt by many Catholics during the Pope’s recent hospitalisation. His return allowed worshippers to participate in the traditional Sunday blessing with him in person rather than relying on a prepared message or a substitute celebrant.
Attention is also turning to the Pope’s planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. The trip is expected to involve extensive travel, including multiple flights and journeys to high-altitude locations.
His surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, said there were no clinical reasons at the time to rule out the planned journey and estimated that the Pope could recover fully from the operation in approximately another 10 days. However, further examination of the tumour and nearby lymph nodes was still underway to determine whether additional treatment would be necessary.
Those results will help doctors determine the appropriate next steps in his care. Possible treatment options depend on the tumour’s characteristics and whether there is evidence that the disease has spread.
For now, the Pope’s message is one of cautious reassurance rather than an announcement that he has fully recovered. His decision to return to public duties gradually allows him to continue his responsibilities while giving his medical team time to monitor his progress.
As Catholics continue to pray for his recovery, Leo’s appearance on Sunday marked an important step in his return to public ministry. His health and the results of further medical assessments are likely to remain central to decisions about his upcoming engagements.
The Pope has thanked those who supported him during his illness and indicated his intention to continue serving the Church, while making clear that the return to his regular activities will take place progressively.
