Pope Leo XIV recovers from lung surgery, gradually resumes duties
Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square for their prayers during his recent hospitalization for surgery to remove a malignant tumor. The pontiff announced plans to gradually return to his usual duties, reports BritPanorama.
The crowd cheered as Leo appeared in the window overlooking the square, following a traditional Angelus blessing. Just a week prior, he had revealed the detection of a nodule on his lung during the same occasion and announced the necessary surgical intervention.
“Now that this delicate phase is behind me, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers,” he stated, sounding strong four days after undergoing the procedure to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.
The pope remarked that the experience had brought him closer to those facing illness, voicing gratitude to the medical staff at Gemelli Hospital for their support. After waving to the crowd, he retreated into his apartment in the Apostolic Palace.
Celebrations erupted from a visiting African delegation who expressed their joy at seeing the pope well. Alain Kalembu from the Democratic Republic of Congo stated, “He was always in our prayers when he was sick, and we are happy to see him today.”
The 71-year-old pontiff had the surgery a week earlier, marking the first significant health challenge of his 17-month pontificate. The operation confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, which is the most prevalent form of lung cancer. He reported feeling “much better” as he left the hospital, having experienced a shorter recovery than expected.
Public reaction was enthusiastic. Cosimo Mastrocinque, a retired factory worker visiting the Vatican, described the pope’s swift recovery as miraculous. American tourists, particularly, expressed happiness at being able to pray with the pope instead of for him during his recent illness.
Leo’s upcoming engagements include an ambitious trip from November 6 to 17, covering Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, indicated to Vatican News that there were no clinical reasons to prevent the trip, which involves multiple flights and high-altitude helicopter rides.
Dr. Margaritora expressed confidence in the pope’s recovery, expecting him to fully recuperate within the next ten days. Meanwhile, histological testing of the tumor and related lymph nodes is ongoing, with results crucial for deciding any additional treatment options, which could include chemotherapy or targeted therapies.
The pope’s return to public life comes as a significant relief to supporters, demonstrating resilience in the face of health challenges while reaffirming his commitment to his role as leader of the Catholic Church.
