Pope leads prayer at Vatican after discharge from hospital and says he will gradually return to activities

Pope Leo 14 stated this Sunday (18) that he will gradually resume his usual activities at the head of the Catholic Church, as he greeted the faithful gathered in Saint Peter's Square. It was the pontiff's first public appearance since he underwent surgery for lung cancer five days ago.

At 71 years old, Leão 14 underwent an operation on Tuesday (13) to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, after tests identified a tumor that was later diagnosed as lung adenocarcinoma. According to the Vatican, the tumor was completely removed and, to date, there is no indication for chemotherapy. New analyzes must still determine whether any additional treatment will be necessary.

The diagnosis cast a dose of uncertainty on the pontificate of Leo 14, elected in May 2025. The pope may have to adapt the pace of his actions according to the evolution of his condition and the possible need for new treatments. The trip he will take to South America, between November 6th and 17th, with visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, remains planned, but may undergo changes.

Smiling from the window of the Apostolic Palace, in the Vatican, and speaking in a firm and clear voice to the pilgrims, the first American pope expressed gratitude for the prayers received from people around the world and stated that he will begin to resume his routine.

"After overcoming this delicate phase, I will now gradually resume my activities, always with the help of God and your prayers," said Leão.

The pontiff was discharged from the Agostino Gemelli Hospital, in Rome, on Saturday (17), after a recovery considered positive. He left the hospital four days after surgery, before the initial one-week hospital stay. The procedure was performed using a minimally invasive technique, and postoperative exams showed satisfactory results.

This Sunday, Leo 14 arrived alone at the window of the Apostolic Palace and kept his weekly midday appointment, in front of a crowd gathered in the square.

The pope also asked pilgrims, under cloudy skies, to put aside personal ambitions and serve God "without compromise."

Leo 14's cancer was discovered from a lung nodule identified in exams and initially described by the pope himself as localized and at a very early stage.