Pope Leo urges end to Yemen violence after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo on Sunday called for an end to the violence in Yemen and expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in the southwestern city of Taiz, less than two weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer.

Addressing the faithful from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square, the 71-year-old pontiff said he was particularly concerned about the situation in Taiz, “where the population suffers due to the lack of food, water and medical assistance”. The pope waved and smiled at the crowds after reaching the window without assistance. It was the same spot where he announced on October 11 that he would undergo an operation to remove a small growth from his lung, marking the first major health scare of his papacy.

“I'm making a heartfelt appeal for the hostilities to stop, so that the people in Yemen and across the entire region can live in peace,” he said in a firm and clear voice.

Pope Leo also said he was praying for those killed and wounded in what he described as the “terrorist attack against Orthodox faithful” at Hamoud church in Jordan on Friday. “I'm close to that community and the entire country, which is known for the peaceful and respectful coexistence of different religions,” the pontiff said.

He urged people to pray for a meeting of religious leaders scheduled to take place in the Italian city of Assisi on Tuesday to promote peace. The pope had been due to attend the gathering but cancelled his visit on doctors’ advice to allow him to recover, the Vatican said on Friday.

Pope Leo underwent surgery on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Doctors said last week that he would not require further therapy, indicating that the tumour had not spread.