18 October 2026 1:02 pm WAT
Pope Leo XIV has made his first public appearance since undergoing surgery for lung cancer, thanking Catholics and other well-wishers for their prayers and assuring them that he would gradually return to his duties.
The 71-year-old pontiff spoke on Sunday from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St Peter’s Square, where he addressed the faithful during his weekly Angelus appearance.
“I would like to thank all the people who have been praying for me in these days,” he said, adding, “I will now gradually resume my activities.”
His appearance came a day after he was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital, where he had undergone surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung.
The pope received cheers and applause as he appeared at the Vatican, marking his first public engagement since the operation.
He also expressed solidarity with people facing health challenges, saying his recent experience had brought him closer to those dealing with illness.
The pontiff thanked the doctors, nurses and other medical personnel who cared for him during his hospital stay.
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