Pope Leo XIV made his first major public appearance since undergoing lung cancer surgery, addressing roughly 15,000 Catholic faithful gathered in St Peter's Square on Sunday. The 71-year-old pontiff spoke from a window overlooking the square, pledging a gradual return to his duties with the support of prayers and divine help.
A week prior, Leo had revealed during the traditional Angelus blessing that doctors had discovered a nodule in his lung requiring surgical removal. The operation confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Test results to determine whether the cancer has spread remain pending.
During his address, Leo said the past week had made him feel "especially close to those facing illness and infirmity." He expressed gratitude to those who supported him and specifically thanked doctors, nurses and staff at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he received treatment. After pausing briefly and waving to the crowd, he returned to his apartment in the Apostolic Palace.
Attendees from around the world expressed relief and joy at seeing the pontiff. Alain Kalembu of the Democratic Republic of the Congo said Leo "was always in our prayers when he was sick." A delegation from Africa at the Vatican for a Catholic meeting danced and ululated following his blessing. Claire Holland, visiting from Jacksonville, Florida, said she felt "very blessed" to witness his return.
Questions surrounding a planned papal voyage to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November remain partially unresolved. The Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, told journalists on Friday that Leo may need to adjust his schedule "according to the condition of his health." However, Leo's surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News he saw "no clinical reasons why the trip should not go ahead." Latin Americans in St Peter's Square expressed hope for the pope's full recovery and the trip's confirmation.