OMM Newsroom
Pope Leo returned to public duties on Sunday, five days after undergoing lung surgery. He told thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square that he would gradually resume his daily activities. The 71-year-old pontiff has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, AnewZ reported.
Pope Leo underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. Doctors discharged him from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, saying blood tests and chest imaging showed he was ready to return home and could carry out daily activities independently.
On Sunday, Pope Leo appeared at a window of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace for his weekly midday address. Speaking clearly and firmly, he told the pilgrims: “After getting through this delicate phase, with God’s help and your prayers, I will gradually resume my activities.”
About 15,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, according to the Vatican. The crowd applauded and cheered when the Pope appeared. One Catholic nun was seen kneeling and crying, while other nuns held a sign wishing the Pope a speedy recovery and saying they were praying for him.
Pope Leo urged those gathered to set aside personal ambitions and serve God “without compromise.”
Doctors said Pope Leo was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, after part of his right lung was removed during Tuesday’s operation. They said the surgery was successful and that the Pope could fully recover in time for his planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17.
The Vatican has canceled the Pope’s other public events at least through Wednesday. A weekly general audience is scheduled to take place that day in St. Peter’s Square, but it has not yet been confirmed whether the event will go ahead.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said Pope Leo might have to adjust the pace of his schedule depending on his health.
Pope Leo was elected pontiff in May 2025 and is the first pope from the United States. He is among the youngest popes of recent decades. Sunday’s meeting was his first public appearance after lung surgery.
