Pope Leo made his first public appearance since undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his lung, addressing a crowd in St. Peter’s Square last Sunday. During the appearance, the 71-year-old pontiff announced that he plans to gradually resume his official duties following the operation.

The Pope had disclosed the diagnosis of a lung nodule during his weekly address the previous Sunday, describing the discovery as unexpected. Medical officials confirmed that he was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer, after surgeons removed a portion of his right lung to excise the tumor.

In his brief remarks, Pope Leo expressed solidarity with others facing illness or physical frailty, emphasizing empathy for those enduring health challenges. The Vatican has not provided a detailed timeline for his full return to public engagements but reiterated that his recovery would be closely monitored.

This public appearance marked a significant moment as the Pope reassures the global Catholic community of his commitment to continuing his leadership amid health concerns.