OMM Newsroom
Pope Leo XIV made his first major public appearance since undergoing lung surgery, saying the experience had brought him closer to people who suffer, according to CNN World.
The 71-year-old pontiff led the Sunday Angelus prayer from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square, where thousands had gathered to hear his message, clap and sing.
Leo thanked the doctors who treated him and everyone who prayed for him, adding that he was gradually returning to his duties as pope. He greeted the crowd in a firm voice and wished them a happy Sunday.
The appearance took place as thousands of Rome marathon runners made their way along the main avenue leading into St. Peter’s Square, passing the Apostolic Palace.
Leo was discharged from Gemelli Hospital on Saturday after surgery to remove a growth from his lung. It was later diagnosed as an adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
Doctors have said the pope is recovering well. Professor Stefano Margaritora, who operated on him, told Vatican News that he saw “no clinical reasons” why Leo should not make his planned trip to Latin America from November 6 to 17.
The pope announced last Sunday that a “nodule” had been found on his lung and that he would undergo surgery. News of the cancer diagnosis on Tuesday surprised people in the Vatican and across the Catholic world, as Leo had been known to be in good physical condition.
The Latin America itinerary includes Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. Leo served as a missionary and bishop in Peru for several years. The schedule includes a stop in Cusco, about 3,350 metres above sea level, where each breath contains roughly one-third less oxygen than at sea level.
