Pope Leo XIV makes first public appearance since cancer surgery, pledging gradual return to duties

Pope Leo XIV made his first major public appearance on Sunday 18 October since undergoing lung-cancer surgery, leading the traditional noontime Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St Peter’s Square, where thousands had gathered (CNN).

He had surgery on Tuesday 13 October at Rome’s Gemelli hospital: the lower lobe of his right lung was removed in an operation lasting about 90 minutes. Histology confirmed adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, and he was discharged on Saturday 17 October (Channel News Asia).

“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” (CNN). Appearing unaided and in a firm, clear voice, he thanked the Gemelli doctors and nurses and all who had prayed for him (USA Today).

His surgeon, Prof Stefano Margaritora, said there is no clinical reason the planned 6–17 November Latin America trip — Uruguay, Argentina and Peru — cannot go ahead (CNN). The Vatican has cancelled his other public appearances until Wednesday 21 October (Channel News Asia).