Pope Leo pledges gradual return to duties after lung cancer surgery
publishers 188articles 252first reported 11 Oct, 15:20 UTCdeveloping since 11 Oct · 17 editions
Pope Leo XIV said he would gradually resume his duties as he made his first major public appearance since undergoing surgery for lung cancer.
The 71-year-old pontiff appeared unaided at a window of the Apostolic Palace on Sunday to deliver the Angelus prayer to about 15,000 people gathered in St Peter’s Square. He thanked supporters and the staff at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, saying the experience had made him feel especially close to people facing illness or infirmity.
“Now that this delicate phase is behind me, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers,” Leo said.
Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung during a roughly 90-minute operation on Tuesday after identifying a suspected cancerous nodule. Tests confirmed adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Results intended to determine whether the cancer has spread and whether further treatment is necessary remain pending.
The Vatican said Leo’s recovery progressed normally, and he left the hospital on Saturday after blood tests and a chest X-ray. While hospitalized, he celebrated Mass and carried out some work duties.
Questions remain over his planned November trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. His surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News there were no clinical reasons preventing the journey, though Vatican officials have said the pope’s schedule may need to be adjusted according to his health.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 6 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 180 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 188
- Source articles
- 252
- Given to the writer
- 8, 6 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 180 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
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