Cheers greet Pope Leo XIV as he resumes public duties after surgery

Rome, October 18 - Pope Leo XIV, smiling and speaking normally, addressed thousands of people in St Peter’s Square after undergoing lung cancer surgery. The 71-year-old pontiff had part of his right lung removed at Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Tuesday and was discharged yesterday. In his first major public appearance since the surgery, the pope expressed gratitude for the prayers received and announced that he would "gradually" resume his duties.

The crowd cheered, shouting "Viva il papa!" as the Pope appeared at the window of the Apostolic Palace for his traditional Angelus prayer and address. While some expressed concern about his recovery, others praised the Pope’s resilience and determination. His surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, stated that Leo was in "absolutely satisfactory clinical condition" and expected a full recovery within 10 days.

The Pope’s discharge also cleared the way for his planned voyage to Latin America next month. The Pope resumed some work, including a call to Russian President Vladimir Putin urging a ceasefire in Ukraine.