Pope Leo XIV Makes First Public Appearance Since Lung Surgery

Istanbul (ANTARA) — Pope Leo XIV appeared in public for the first time since undergoing lung surgery and led the Angelus prayer at the Vatican on Sunday, a day after being discharged from hospital.

Speaking to thousands of pilgrims and visitors from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square, the Pope thanked the surgical team and everyone who had supported him, Vatican News reported.

He said the experience had made him feel closer to people who are ill. The Pope added that, with God’s help and the prayers of the faithful, he would gradually resume his activities.

The Pope underwent surgery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome on 13 October to remove a small lung nodule.

The Vatican said the 90-minute operation to remove the nodule had been successful. The lower part of his right lung was removed using video-assisted surgery. Histological tests subsequently confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.

The Pope was discharged on Saturday. The Vatican had previously cancelled his engagements through 20 October to allow him time to recover.

Dr Stefano Margaritora, who performed the lung surgery, said the procedure had taken place without complications and that the Pope’s post-operative recovery was going well.

Asked whether the Pope could make a planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November, Margaritora said he saw no clinical reason that would prevent the trip.

In his reflection before the Angelus, the Pope discussed Jesus’ teaching: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

He said the passage called on people to “be honest, free from the fear that makes someone submit and from hypocrisy, and free to do good”.

On 11 October, Leo announced that doctors had found a nodule in his lung and recommended surgery.