Pope Leo welcomed back as he delivers Angelus prayer days after lung cancer surgery: news

Pope Leo XIV Welcomed by Thousands in St. Peter’s Square for Angelus Prayer Following Lung Cancer Surgery

Thousands of pilgrims and well-wishers gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday to warmly welcome Pope Leo XIV as he delivered the traditional midday Angelus prayer, marking his first public appearance just days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer.

Appearing from the third-floor window of the Apostolic Palace less than 24 hours after being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the 71-year-old pontiff smiled and waved to the cheering crowds below. The public return came after a 90-minute surgical procedure on October 13, during which doctors successfully removed the lower lobe of his right lung to extract a localized cancerous tumor (lung adenocarcinoma).

Gratitude for Prayers and Medical Care

Addressing the faithful gathered in the square, Pope Leo expressed deep personal gratitude for the global outpouring of support during his hospital stay.

“I would like to thank all those who have prayed for me in recent days. I have truly sensed your support,” the pontiff said. He noted that the ordeal gave him a renewed sense of closeness to individuals facing sickness and bodily suffering, adding that he intends to resume his official duties gradually with medical guidance and continued prayers. He also praised the medical team, nursing staff, and caregivers at the Gemelli Hospital for their care and dedication.

Reflection on Civic Duty and Faith

Before reciting the Marian prayer, the Pope delivered his customary Gospel reflection, centering on Jesus’ teaching to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”. He emphasized that genuine spiritual faith should inspire believers to engage actively and responsibly within civic life and society, rather than treating religion as an instrument for private ambition.

Recovery and Upcoming Schedule

Surgeons and Vatican medical officials confirmed that the pontiff is in stable clinical condition and progressing well ahead of the original recovery timeline, which allowed for an earlier-than-expected discharge on Saturday. While the Holy See had cleared his public calendar through October 20 to allow ample rest, his Sunday appearance provides significant reassurance to Catholics worldwide. Vatican officials will continue monitoring his health as decisions approach regarding his scheduled international apostolic journey to Latin America planned for next month.