Pope Leo XIV returns to Sunday prayers after undergoing surgery to remove a malignant tumour from his right lung, thanking worshippers, medical staff and well-wishers for their prayers and support as he begins a gradual return to his public duties.
The 71-year-old pontiff appeared in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday, October 18, four days after undergoing surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. His appearance marked an important step in his recovery and reassured Catholics who had followed reports about his health.
Addressing worshippers, the first American-born pope expressed gratitude for the prayers and encouragement he received during his hospital stay. He also acknowledged the medical professionals who cared for him throughout the delicate procedure and recovery period.
“Now that this delicate phase is behind me, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers,” Pope Leo said, explaining that his return to public engagements would be gradual.
Pope Leo XIV Thanks Worshippers for Their Prayers
The pontiff also reflected on how his experience in hospital had strengthened his connection with people living with illnesses and other health challenges.
“My time in hospital has made me feel especially close to those facing illness and infirmity,” he said.
He added that he had “truly felt your support,” expressing particular gratitude to the doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers who attended to him.
The pope specifically thanked “the doctors, nurses and all the staff at Gemelli hospital” for their professional care and assistance during his treatment.
His appearance on Sunday followed an announcement the previous week that doctors had discovered a lung nodule requiring surgical removal. The development raised concerns among Catholics and observers worldwide about the pontiff’s condition.
Subsequent medical information confirmed that the tumour was an adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. Further laboratory testing is expected to provide important information about the tumour and whether additional treatment will be necessary.
Pontiff Says He Is Feeling Much Better
Pope Leo had earlier told a reporter that he was feeling “much better” as he left Gemelli Hospital and returned to the Vatican.
His hospital stay was shorter than initially expected, offering encouragement to those hoping for a smooth recovery. Nevertheless, his medical team has indicated that he will need time to regain his strength fully.
The pope’s Sunday appearance was particularly significant because it allowed him to reconnect publicly with worshippers after several days away from his usual activities.
His recovery has attracted international attention, reflecting the global interest in the health of the head of the Catholic Church.
African Delegation Celebrates Pope Leo’s Return
Among those who welcomed the pope’s appearance were members of an African delegation attending a conference in Rome. Their reaction included dancing and ululation as they celebrated his return to public prayer.
Alain Kalembu, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, described the moment as an expression of happiness after days of concern about the pontiff’s health.
“He was always in our prayers when he was sick, and we are happy to see him today,” Kalembu said.
He added: “This is an expression of our joy.”
The delegation’s celebration illustrated the emotional response among worshippers who had been praying for the pope’s recovery. His appearance offered them an opportunity to express their relief and gratitude.
The response also highlighted the importance of the pope’s health to Catholics from different countries, many of whom regard his public appearances as significant moments in the life of the Church.
American Visitors Welcome Pope’s Recovery
American visitors were particularly eager to see Pope Leo, who made history as the first US-born pontiff.
Marla Marsala, a visitor from Michigan, had planned to attend Mass with him the previous week but cancelled those plans after learning that he had been hospitalised.
She expressed happiness that the pope was able to join worshippers again, describing the preceding days as difficult for those who had been concerned about his condition.
“I am just happy that we are praying with him today instead of for him, like we were before,” Marsala said.
She also described the week as tough and expressed admiration for the pontiff, saying he appeared to be “a very strong soul.”
Another American visitor, Claire Holland, from Jacksonville, Florida, welcomed the speed of his recovery and credited the prayers offered by people around the world.
“I’m so happy that he has recovered so quickly. I think there have been millions and millions of prayers,” Holland said.
She added: “And he is a strong, determined man, and I am so happy that he is feeling well enough to do this.”
Their comments reflected the relief experienced by visitors who had travelled to Rome hoping to see the pope and participate in his public religious activities.
Doctors Provide Update on Pope Leo’s Recovery
Pope Leo’s medical team has expressed optimism about his recovery following the lung surgery.
His surgeon, Dr Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News that there were no clinical reasons at that stage to prevent the pope from undertaking his planned international trip in November.
“The Holy Father has put his heart and soul into his recovery,” Margaritora said.
The surgeon also indicated that the pontiff could achieve a full recovery from the operation “in another 10 days or so.”
However, the assessment concerns recovery from the surgery itself. Further medical decisions will depend on the results of additional examinations and laboratory tests.
Histological testing is being conducted on the removed tumour and related lymph nodes. These investigations will help doctors understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine whether it has affected surrounding tissues.
The results are also expected to provide molecular and genetic information that could guide any further treatment.
Further Treatment May Depend on Test Results
Depending on the findings, doctors could recommend chemotherapy, a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, or targeted oral medication.
No final treatment decision has been established in the information released so far. The medical team will need to assess the test results before determining whether additional intervention is appropriate.
The distinction is important because the pope’s return to public prayer does not, by itself, establish that his cancer has been completely eliminated or that no further treatment will be necessary.
For now, his recovery is being monitored while doctors evaluate the available clinical evidence.
Pope Leo’s November International Trip Remains Planned
Despite the health challenge, Pope Leo is scheduled to undertake an international trip from November 6 to November 17, visiting Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
The planned journey will involve approximately a dozen flights and two helicopter rides, including travel to locations at high altitudes.
The demanding schedule makes his recovery particularly important, as international papal visits require considerable physical stamina and involve numerous public engagements.
Margaritora’s assessment suggests that the trip remains medically possible, although the pope’s condition and recovery will continue to be important considerations as the departure date approaches.
The visit is expected to provide opportunities for the pontiff to meet Catholic communities across South America and participate in religious engagements.
His medical team’s continuing evaluation will help determine how best to manage his activities as he prepares to resume his responsibilities.
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Global Prayers Continue as Pope Resumes Duties
Pope Leo’s appearance in St Peter’s Square represents a positive development following his hospitalisation and surgery. His gratitude to worshippers and medical staff has also reinforced the personal significance he attaches to the support received during his illness.
The response from African delegates, American visitors and other worshippers demonstrates the widespread interest in his recovery.
Nevertheless, the pontiff has indicated that he intends to resume his duties gradually rather than immediately return to his previous schedule.
With further tests underway, attention will remain focused on the results and any treatment recommendations that emerge from his medical team.
For Catholics and other observers, Sunday’s appearance offered encouragement, while the coming weeks will provide a clearer picture of his recovery and readiness for the planned international journey.
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