Pope Leo XIV has thanked well-wishers who prayed for him following cancer surgery, saying he would gradually resume his duties as he recovers.
The 71-year-old pontiff expressed his gratitude on Sunday while addressing a crowd in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
“I would like to thank all the people who have been praying for me in these days,” he said, adding that he would “gradually” return to work.
The pope underwent surgery on October 13 at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors detected a suspicious nodule. The operation was successful, and an examination of the removed tissue confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer.
He was discharged on Saturday, October 17, after doctors reviewed his blood tests, chest X-ray and overall clinical condition. His discharge came earlier than initially anticipated, with his medical team reporting satisfactory progress and no surgical complications.
However, further tests are expected to establish whether the cancer has spread and whether additional treatment will be necessary. Doctors have indicated that a full physical recovery could take about two weeks.
Leo, the first American-born pope, was elected in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis. His recovery comes as he prepares for a planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17, although the pace of his return to public engagements will depend on his recovery.
