Pope Leo pledges return to duties following lung cancer surgery
Pope Leo pledged on Sunday to slowly resume his usual activities as the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics as he greeted crowds in St. Peter’s Square during his first public event since undergoing surgery for lung cancer five days ago. The 71-year-old pontiff had an operation on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, fuelling speculation about how his illness might change…
On Sunday, Pope Leo pledged to gradually resume his usual activities as the head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, following his appearance in St. Peter’s Square during his first public event since undergoing lung cancer surgery. The 71-year-old pontiff had a procedure to remove the lower lobe of his right lung on Tuesday, raising questions about how his health might impact his 17-month papacy.
Smiling through a window in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Sunday, Pope Leo addressed crowds below in a clear, firm voice, thanking those who had offered prayers. He stated, "Having overcome this delicate phase ... I will now gradually resume my activities, always with the help of God and your prayers." The pope, discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Saturday, returned to the window unaided and proceeded with his weekly midday appointment as planned.
Despite a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, the youngest pope in decades was discharged after blood tests and chest imaging confirmed he was well enough to return home. Crowds numbering about 15,000 in St. Peter’s Square greeted the pope, chanting and clapping. A Catholic nun was seen weeping as she held her hand over her face, while nearby nuns displayed a sign that read, "Best wishes, Holy Father.
We love you and we are praying for you." The Vatican has suspended the pope’s other public engagements until at least Wednesday, when he is scheduled to hold a general audience. Plans for the pope’s trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17 remain uncertain, with his lead surgeon predicting full recovery in time for the journey, though Vatican officials expressed doubt.
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