Pope says he will gradually resume duties after surgery

The crowd erupted in cheers when the Pontiff showed himself in the window overlooking the square, where a week ago during the Angelus blessing he revealed that a nodule had been located on his lung, and that it would be surgically removed.

“Now that this delicate phase is behind me, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers,” Pope Leo said, his voice sounding strong four days after the lower lobe of his right lung was removed.

The Pontiff thanked the faithful for their prayers while he was in hospital and said the experience of the last week “has made me feel especially close to those facing illness and infirmity”.

He told the faithful that he had “truly felt your support” and expressed “particular gratitude to the doctors, nurses and all the staff at Gemelli hospital” where he was treated.

He returned from the hospital to the Vatican on October 17 after a shorter stay than had initially been anticipated.

While the Pope was in hospital, he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by telephone expressing concern about Oleshky in the Kherson region, a city in the Russian-occupied portion of Ukraine where a severe humanitarian crisis is underway.

Pope Leo’s next major engagement is a November 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, including a dozen flights and two helicopter rides to high altitudes. His surgeon, Dr Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News on Saturday that “there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place”.

“The Holy Father has put his heart and soul into his recovery,” Dr Margaritora told Vatican News, adding that he expected the Pope to recover fully from surgery “in another 10 days or so”.

Histological testing of the tumour and related lymph nodes is 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.

FULL STORY

Pope Leo tells faithful in St. Peter’s Square he will gradually resume duties after cancer surgery (National Catholic Reporter/Associated Press)

Pope Leo XIV leaves Gemelli Hospital, returns to Vatican (EWTN News)

Pope Leo speaks with Russian President Putin by phone (EWTN News)