After lung cancer surgery, pope greeted crowds at first major appearance since his operation
A return to the square
Pope Leo XIV spoke from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square at the Vatican. His Sunday address was his first major public appearance since undergoing lung cancer surgery.
The 71-year-old pontiff addressed around 15,000 Catholic faithful. A week earlier, during the Angelus blessing, he had announced that doctors found a lung nodule and planned to remove it surgically.
Thanks to supporters and staff
Leo thanked those who had gathered and said he had “truly felt your support,” according to the pope. He also offered special thanks to the doctors, nurses and other staff at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he received treatment.
A delegation from Africa was in Rome for a Catholic meeting. Its members danced and ululated after the pope gave his blessing.
Health tests and schedule
Test results that could show whether the cancer has spread have not yet been reported. The article gives no further details about when those results will be available.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said on Friday that the pope might have to set a different pace for his commitments based on his health. Claire Holland, visiting from Jacksonville, Florida, said she felt “very blessed” to be there for his return, according to Holland.
Key points
- About 15,000 Catholic faithful gathered for Pope Leo XIV’s Sunday address.
- The appearance was his first major public event since lung cancer surgery.
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the pope may need to adjust his schedule to his health.