Pope Leo XIV Returns to Balcony, Promises Gradual Return to Work After Cancer Surgery
Pope Leo XIV appeared on a Vatican balcony on Sunday to recite the Angelus prayer, his first public address since undergoing lung cancer surgery. The 71-year-old told a crowd in St. Peter's Square that he plans to gradually resume his official activities.
Pope Leo XIV recited the traditional Angelus prayer from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace on Sunday, October 18, marking his first major public appearance since undergoing lung cancer surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital five days earlier.
The 71-year-old addressed roughly 20,000 people in St. Peter’s Square, saying he would "gradually resume his activities" as he recovers. He thanked those who prayed for him and expressed gratitude to the hospital staff, noting that the illness had made him feel close to those living with infirmity.
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Original reporting and primary evidence.
- BBCPrimary sourcePope Leo XIV thanks wellwishers in first event after cancer surgery
- www.msn.comPope addresses crowd in Vatican after cancer surgery
- www.americamagazine.orgPope Leo, five days after surgery, says he will resume his work ‘gradually’
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Pope Leo XIV recited the traditional Angelus prayer from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace.
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Pope Leo XIV stated he would gradually resume his work in his first major public appearance since undergoing lung cancer surgery.
confirmedConnected sources2
The appearance on Sunday, October 18, was his first public speaking engagement since the lung cancer surgery.
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