VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to the thousands of supporters gathered in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, thanking them for their prayers during his hospitalization for a surgery to remove a malignant tumor. The pontiff indicated a gradual return to his usual responsibilities following a successful operation.
The crowd cheered as Pope Leo appeared in the window overlooking the square, where, just a week prior during the traditional Angelus blessing, he had disclosed the presence of a nodule on his lung that required surgical removal. "Now that this delicate phase is behind me, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God's help and your prayers," Leo stated, his voice sounding strong just four days after having the lower lobe of his right lung removed.
During his address, the pope shared that the recent week had brought him closer to individuals facing illness and infirmity. He fully acknowledged the overwhelming support he felt from the faithful and extended special thanks to the medical professionals and staff at Gemelli Hospital, where he received treatment. After his remarks, he took a moment to wave to the crowd before stepping back into his apartment in the Apostolic Palace.
A delegation from Africa attending a congress in Rome celebrated with dances and ululations after receiving the pope's blessing. Alain Kalembu, a participant from the Democratic Republic of Congo, shared, "He was always in our prayers when he was sick, and we are happy to see him today. This is an expression of our joy."
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery on Tuesday, marking the first significant health issue of his 17-month papacy. The operation confirmed that he had adenocarcinoma, which is the most prevalent type of lung cancer. After visiting the hospital, he assured reporters in English that he was feeling "much better" as he departed from Rome's Gemelli Hospital and returned to the Vatican, having experienced a shorter recovery than anticipated.
Cosimo Mastrocinque, a retired factory worker from southern Italy, expressed astonishment at the speed of the pope's recovery, stating, "I don’t believe it, because he was just operated on the other day. It is a miracle that he recovered already." American tourists, including Marla Marsala from Michigan, expressed relief and joy at being able to pray alongside the pontiff after a week of prayers for his recovery. "It was a tough week for all of the people who love him, which are many. He seems like a very strong soul. So I think he will pull through and fight it," she declared.
Claire Holland, visiting from Jacksonville, Florida, felt "very blessed" to witness the pope's return to his followers, adding, "I’m so happy that he has recovered so quickly. I think there have been millions and millions of prayers. And he is a strong, determined man..."
Pope Leo XIV's upcoming major engagement includes an ambitious trip from November 6 to 17 to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, which will involve a dozen flights and two helicopter rides to high altitudes. Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the pope's surgeon, communicated to Vatican News that "there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place," and he expected the pontiff to fully recover within approximately ten days.
Histological tests on the tumor and associated lymph nodes are currently underway, with results to determine if further treatment is necessary. Potential options include chemotherapy, a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, or targeted oral therapy based on the tumor’s genetic characteristics.
