Pope Leo makes first public appearance after lung surgery, promises gradual return

Pope Leo makes first public appearance after lung surgery, promises gradual return - Pope Leo XIV makes his first public appearance after lung surgery, thanking well-wishers for their prayers as he prepares for a gradual return to his duties. (Photo: Alessandra Tarantino/AP Photo/dpa/picture alliance)

The 71-year-old pontiff thanked well-wishers for their prayers as his surgeon confirmed a satisfactory recovery and said there was no clinical reason to cancel his planned November trip to South America.

Pope Leo XIV has made his first public appearance since undergoing surgery to remove part of his right lung, assuring the crowd that he would resume his duties "gradually" as he continues his recovery.’

Part of the pope's right lung was removed during the operation, which took place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. He was discharged on Saturday.

The Catholic leader thanked those who prayed for him while he was hospitalised, saying he would "gradually assume" his activities as the crowd cheered at his appearance. The 71-year-old spoke normally and appeared physically well.

The pope said the "delicate phase" was behind him, thanking "God and your prayers" for his recovery. He also expressed gratitude to the medical staff at the Rome hospital for their care.

During his hospital stay, the pope continued to express concern about the Ukrainian civilian population. He held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging a ceasefire in the Ukrainian town of Oleshky, located on the front line.

Putin responded by saying Ukraine was responsible for the situation.

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Recovery in ten days

According to his surgeon, the pontiff is in an "absolutely satisfactory clinical condition," with his full recovery expected to take approximately ten days.

"His determination to achieve a very quick and very effective recovery from every point of view was really commendable," Dr Stefano Margaritora told Vatican News.

Margaritora said the tumour had been discovered during a routine X-ray checkup, while describing the operation to remove it as "routine."

The pope's next major assignment is a planned trip to South America, which will include visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The trip is scheduled to take place between November 6 and 17.

Speaking about the pope's recovery, Dr Margaritora said he sees "no clinical reason" why the trip should be called off.

Testing of the tumour and related lymph nodes was underway, with the results expected to determine whether Pope Leo requires additional medical treatment.

The 71-year-old Pope Leo was born in Chicago and has been in office since May 2025.