Pope Leo tells faithful in St Peter's Square he will gradually resume duties after cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude to the faithful in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, following surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff thanked the crowd for their prayers during his hospitalization and announced his intention to gradually resume his duties, relying on God's help and the prayers of his supporters.

The pope's voice was strong as he spoke, four days after the lower lobe of his right lung was removed. He emphasized his appreciation for the support from doctors, nurses, and hospital staff, and particularly to the faithful who had prayed for his recovery. The event was a significant moment for the pope, who had recently revealed a lung nodule during his Angelus blessing.

The surgery confirmed the presence of adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. The 71-year-old pope's next major trip is scheduled for November 6-17, including a dozen flights and two helicopter rides to high altitudes. Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the pope's surgeon, expressed confidence in the pope's full recovery within 10 days.