Pope Leo pledges return to duties following lung cancer surgery
The 71-year-old pontiff appeared at St. Peter’s Square for his first public event since his operation five days ago.
Quick Look
- Pope Leo made his first public appearance in St.
- Peter’s Square on Sunday following surgery to remove part of his right lung.
- The 71-year-old pontiff addressed pilgrims from the Apostolic Palace, thanking them for their support and pledging a gradual return to his duties.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Pope Leo underwent surgery five days prior to the event to remove the lower lobe of his right lung due to cancer.
Pope Leo pledged on Sunday to slowly resume his usual activities as the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics as he greeted crowds in St. Peter’s Square during his first public event since undergoing surgery for lung cancer five days ago.
The 71-year-old pontiff had an operation on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, fuelling speculation about how his illness might change his 17-month papacy.
Smiling from a window of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace as he spoke to pilgrims below in a firm, clear voice on Sunday, the first US pope thanked people across the world for their prayers and said he would now begin to resume 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.
Open Questions
- What is the long-term prognosis for the Pope's health?
- How will the recovery timeline affect upcoming Vatican diplomatic schedules?
