Pope Leo, aged 71, made his first public appearance on Sunday, leading the Angelus from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace, which overlooked St. Peter's Square. Thousands gathered to applaud, sing, and hear his message.
The Pope thanked the doctors for the treatment and everyone who prayed for him, adding that he is gradually returning to his duties as Pope. He addressed the crowd, saying: 'This experience has given me a deep sense of closeness to all who go through illness or states of weakness.'
He continued: 'Now that this delicate stage has passed, I will gradually resume my activities—always with the help of God and your prayers. Thank you once again.'
These words were spoken against the backdrop of thousands of runners participating in a marathon in Rome, running along the main avenue leading to St. Peter's Square and turning right past the Papal Palace residence.
However, at noon, all attention was focused on Leo XIV as he appeared in the window of his home to address the assembled crowd, wishing them a happy Sunday in a firm and strong voice.
The Pope was discharged on Saturday from the Gemelli hospital following lung surgery, aimed at removing a growth later diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Doctors reported that he is recovering well after the operation and even stated that he can undertake the trip to Latin America scheduled for November 6 to 17.
Professor Stefano Margaritore, who performed the surgery on the Pope, told Vatican News: 'I would say there are no clinical reasons why it shouldn't happen.'
Last week, the Pope made an unexpected announcement that a 'nodule' had been found in his lung and that he would require surgery. The news of the cancer diagnosis on Tuesday shocked people within the Vatican and throughout the Catholic world, as the Pope was known for his good physical condition.
The Pope's visit to Latin America includes Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. Leo previously served as a missionary and bishop in Peru for several years. His itinerary includes a stop in Cusco, located at an altitude of approximately 3350 meters above sea level, where the oxygen available for inhalation is about one-third less than at sea level.