Pope Leo XIV has promised to gradually resume his usual duties as leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics after making his first public appearance since undergoing surgery for lung cancer five days ago.
The 71-year-old pontiff addressed pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday, October 18, after undergoing an operation on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.
His surgery had raised questions about how his health condition might affect his 17-month papacy.
Smiling from a window of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, the first US-born pope spoke to the crowd in a firm and clear voice, thanking people around the world for their prayers and announcing his intention to gradually return to his normal schedule.
“Having overcome this delicate phase… I will now gradually resume my activities, always with the help of God and your prayers,” Leo said.
The pope was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday after doctors determined that he was well enough to return home. He appeared at the palace window without assistance and maintained his usual weekly midday appointment with pilgrims.
During his address, Leo also urged those gathered in the square to put aside selfish ambitions and serve God “without compromise”.
Emotional Scenes as Pope Appears Before Pilgrims
Leo has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. His diagnosis caused concern among Catholics, particularly because he was elected in May 2025 and is the youngest pope in decades at 71.
Doctors discharged him on Saturday after blood tests and chest imaging conducted that day showed that his condition was stable enough for him to return home. They also confirmed that he could carry out normal daily activities independently.
According to the Vatican, about 15,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square to see the pope on Sunday. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause when he appeared at the window.
One Catholic nun was seen kneeling and crying, covering her face with her hand as Leo addressed the crowd. Nearby, another group of nuns held up a sign that read, “Best wishes, Holy Father. We love you and we are praying for you”.
Vatican Reviews Pope’s Schedule
Although Leo has indicated that he intends to return to his duties gradually, the Vatican has cancelled his other public engagements until at least Wednesday, when he is scheduled to hold his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square. However, the Vatican has not confirmed whether the event will go ahead.
The pope is also scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. The planned trip is expected to be one of the most demanding international visits undertaken by a Catholic leader in decades.
Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the pope’s lead surgeon, said on Saturday that Leo could recover fully in time for the trip.
However, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed uncertainty about the pope’s ability to maintain his previous schedule.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Parolin said the pontiff might need to adjust the pace of his activities in the future “according to the condition of his health”.
The Vatican’s next steps are expected to depend on Leo’s recovery as he gradually resumes his public responsibilities.
