Pope pledges gradual return to duties in first event since cancer surgery

Pope Leo has said he plans to gradually return to his usual duties, as he greeted crowds in St Peter's Square during his first public event following lung cancer surgery.

The pontiff, 71, left Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Saturday afternoon following an operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung on Tuesday.

He led a traditional noontime Angelus prayer from a window of the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter's Square in Vatican City.

After greeting the crowds gathered on Sunday, he thanked those around the world who have prayed for his health and recovery in recent days.

He said: "I have truly felt your support. Thank you.

"This experience has allowed me to feel, in a particular way, a closeness to all those who are living through illness or a state of infirmity."

In his closing remarks, he ⁠said: "Now that this delicate phase has passed … I will now gradually resume my ⁠activities, always with the help of God and your prayers."

The surgery on October 13 lasted around 90 minutes and was described as successful.

He was expected to recover in hospital for about a week, but left earlier than expected on Saturday afternoon after doctors said he was "fit for discharge" following blood tests and a chest X-ray.

He walked to his car unaided, smiled and stopped to speak to well-wishers. He waved at cheering crowds from inside a car as he left the hospital.

On Friday, before returning to the Vatican, Pope Leo celebrated Mass in a makeshift chapel in the hospital.

The Pope was originally sent for treatment at Rome's Gemelli hospital for the removal of the small nodule, which he said was spotted early during a recent check-up.

Pre-operative tests had suggested adenocarcinoma, and this was confirmed during the operation, the Vatican said.

He spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday and urged a truce with Ukraine, the Vatican said.

In a telephone call with Mr Putin, the Pope expressed "deep concern" for the humanitarian situation in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky. He called for a truce to allow the entry of first aid and food supplies into the town, the Vatican added.

Doctors confirmed on Saturday the Pope’s planned trip to South America from 6 to 17 November can go ahead.

"I would say there are no clinical reasons why this visit should not take place," Professor Stefano Margaritora, the surgeon who operated on the Pope, said.

(c) Sky News 2026: Pope pledges gradual return to duties in first event since cancer surgery