Pope Leo XIV Thanks Faithful After Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for their prayers during his recent hospitalization for surgery to remove a malignant tumor. Four days after the procedure to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the pontiff declared his intention to gradually resume his duties.

He shared that the experience of facing illness made him feel especially close to others suffering and that he truly felt the support of the faithful. He also extended particular gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Gemelli hospital where he received treatment.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery on Tuesday, the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate. The surgery confirmed adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. Despite the recent operation, he is expected to make a full recovery within approximately ten days.

Doctors are currently performing histological testing on the tumor and lymph nodes. The results will determine if further treatment, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, is necessary. Despite these ongoing tests, his surgeon confirmed there are no clinical reasons to prevent his planned November trip to South America.