Pope Leo calls for end to Yemen violence two weeks after surgery

Less than two weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, Pope Leo addressed the faithful from the window overlooking St Peter's Square on Sunday, urging an end to the violence in Yemen. The 71-year-old pontiff was particularly concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Taiz, Yemen, where the population struggles due to a lack of food, water, and medical aid.

Reaching the window unaided, he waved and smiled at the crowds, delivering a clear and firm appeal for the cessation of hostilities. Pope Leo also expressed his prayers for the victims of a terrorist attack against Orthodox faithful at the Hamoud church in Jordan. He emphasized his connection to that community and the country known for its peaceful coexistence of different religions.

The pope called for a meeting of religious leaders in Assisi, Italy, to promote peace, an event he had planned to attend but canceled at the doctors' advice to aid his recovery. In October, Pope Leo had surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.

Doctors later stated that no further therapy was necessary, confirming that the tumor had not spread.