Pope Leo XIV made a noteworthy appearance at the Vatican on Sunday. He stood before thousands in St. Peter’s Square, just five days after cancer surgery.
The 71-year-old leader of the Catholic Church led the Angelus prayer from a window above the square. This marked his first public appearance after leaving Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Saturday. During his stay, surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
Leo expressed gratitude to the faithful for their prayers during his health ordeal. He acknowledged that his challenges brought him closer to those facing illness. He also thanked the medical team who cared for him.
“Appreciation goes out to all those who stood by me during this time,” he remarked.
On October 18, 2026, the pope addressed the crowd from the Apostolic Palace, following his stay at the hospital. He is the first pope born in America, and he shared his intentions to slowly resume his usual duties.
During the Angelus, Leo discussed a teaching of Jesus. He urged Christians to lead lives of sincerity and reject hypocrisy.
His return was earlier than doctors predicted, as they initially expected a longer hospital stay.
The pope reassured an English-speaking reporter that he was “much better” upon leaving the hospital.
Claire Holland, visiting from Jacksonville, Florida, expressed feeling “very blessed” to witness the pope’s return. She said, “There have been millions of prayers. He is strong, and I’m happy he feels well enough to do this.”
The operation addressed the first major health issue during Leo’s 17-month leadership. Doctors identified the tumor as adenocarcinoma, a common lung cancer type. Further analysis is underway to see if more treatment could be needed.
The pope plans to travel through Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to November 17. This schedule includes several flights and helicopter rides to various locations.
Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the pope’s surgeon, reported that Leo is rapidly recovering. “His commitment to recovery is strong,” Margaritora stated. He anticipates Leo’s complete recovery soon.
No clinical reasons prevent the upcoming trip, according to Margaritora.
The Associated Press and Fox News’ Courtney Walsh contributed additional details for this report.
U.S. Blocks Shipments from BGI Group Citing Forced Labor Concerns 
China’s Tense Relationship with Foreign Celebrities and Free Speech 
Melania Trump’s Role in the Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire and Its Possible Nobel Peace Prize Implications 
MV Odyssey’s Voyage Cut Short by High Fuel Costs 
Hackers Breach DHS Personnel Files, Revealing Sensitive Data 
The Royal Family’s Struggle with Its Legacy of Slavery