Pope Leo XIV addressed crowds in St Peter's Square on Sunday, marking his first official appointment since being released from hospital following surgery for lung cancer. Thousands gathered to hear the 71-year-old pontiff deliver the traditional Angelus blessing.
American tourists were especially eager to pray alongside the first pope born in the United States. Marla Marsala from Michigan had been due to attend a Mass with the pope the previous week that was cancelled because of his hospitalisation.
Pilgrims share relief at pope's recovery
"I am just happy that we are praying with him today instead of for him, like we were before," Marsala said. "It was a tough week for all of the people who love him, which are many. He seems like a very strong soul. So I think he will pull through and fight it, and succeed and keep doing the wonderful work he is doing."
Claire Holland from Jacksonville, Florida, said she felt "very blessed" to be present for the pope's return to his flock. She said: "I'm so happy that he has recovered so quickly. I think there have been millions and millions of prayers. And he is a strong determined man, and I am so happy that he is feeling well enough to do this."
Cosimo Mastrocinque, a retired factory worker visiting the Vatican from the southern region of Puglia, said: "It is a miracle that he recovered already. I don't believe it, because he was just operated on the other day."
Surgery and recovery timeline
The pope had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday in the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate. The surgery confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
He told a reporter in English that he was doing "much better" as he drove away from Rome's Gemelli hospital to return to the Vatican, well ahead of the weeklong hospital stay initially anticipated. Leo's next major engagement is an ambitious November 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, including a dozen flights and two helicopter rides to high altitudes.
Surgeon backs planned Latin America trip
His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, said there are "no clinical reasons" to preclude the trip. He said: "The Holy Father has put his heart and soul into his recovery," adding that he expected the pope to recover fully from surgery "in another 10 days or so."
"As for a long trip involving air travel in about three weeks, I would say there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place," Dr Margaritora added.
Histological testing of the tumour and related lymph nodes was underway. The results, along with details of the tumour's molecular and genetic makeup, will help doctors determine whether the pope needs additional treatment. Options include chemotherapy, a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, or targeted oral therapy based on the tumour's genetic characteristics.
