Pope addresses crowd in Vatican after cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV addressed a massive crowd in St Peter's Square on Sunday, smiling and announcing his return to work following lung cancer surgery. The 71-year-old pope had a portion of his right lung removed on Tuesday at Rome's Gemelli hospital and was discharged on Saturday. He expressed gratitude to those who prayed for him and stated he would gradually resume his activities.

The pope, who appeared well and spoke normally, greeted the crowd from his Apostolic Palace window during his traditional Angelus prayer. He emphasized his commitment to the Church and world leadership. A chorus of "Viva il papa!" echoed across the square. People in the square welcomed the pope's swift return; some even hoped he would visit Latin America next month.

His surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, said the pope was in "absolutely satisfactory clinical condition" and estimated another ten days for full recovery. The lung cancer was discovered during a routine X-ray. Leo called a call on Russian President Vladimir Putin to urge a ceasefire in Ukraine.