Pope Leo to Gradually Resume Papal Activities After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo stepped up to a window at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace on Sunday to speak to a crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square. It was his first public appearance since doctors removed a cancerous tumour from his lung. The 71-year-old pope told the crowd that he would "gradually resume" his duties as leader of the Catholic Church. People in the square greeted him with applause as he appeared on his own, without any help.

Pope Leo had stunned the world the previous Sunday when he announced that a small nodule had been found on his lung. On Tuesday, doctors confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. Surgeons had removed part of his right lung to take out the tumour. The Vatican said his recovery was going normally by Wednesday, but doctors were still waiting on test results to find out whether the cancer had spread.

The pope thanked everyone who had prayed for him during his hospital stay. He said their support meant a great deal to him. He also said the experience made him feel close "to all those who are going through illness or a state of infirmity." That means he felt connected to anyone who is sick or struggling with their health.

Leo left Rome's Gemelli hospital on Saturday, one day earlier than the Vatican had originally planned. Before he was released, doctors gave him blood tests and a chest X-ray that morning. They decided he was "fit for discharge," meaning he was well enough to go home. His surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, said he expected the pope to fully recover "in another 10 days or so."

Even while he was in the hospital, Pope Leo kept working. On Friday, he made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the call, he urged Putin to agree to a ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky, which is currently under Russian control. This showed that the pope was still focused on world peace even while recovering from a major operation.

Many people had wondered whether the pope would be able to go on a 12-day trip to South America in November. His surgeon said on Saturday that there were "no clinical reasons" to stop him from travelling. That means doctors do not see any medical problems that would prevent the trip. Before his diagnosis, Leo was thought to be in good health and was known to enjoy sports, especially tennis.

The Gemelli hospital has a long history of caring for popes. Pope John Paul II stayed there so many times that the Vatican worked with the hospital to create a special, high-security suite just for popes. The hospital is located in the north-west of Rome and is well known for the high level of care it provides to Catholic leaders.