Pope Leo XIV Returns to Public Prayer After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV Returns to Public Prayer After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV has resumed public appearances following surgery to remove a malignant tumour from his right lung, leading pilgrims in the Angelus prayer at the Vatican on Sunday, October 18, just one day after his discharge from hospital.

The pontiff appeared at the window of his private study in the Apostolic Palace, where he addressed thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square despite cloudy weather and intermittent rain.

According to Vatican News, approximately 15,000 people attended the gathering, eager to see the pope following days of concern over his health.

Leo XIV thanked those who had prayed for his recovery and expressed appreciation to the medical team at Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital, where he underwent the operation.

“This experience has made me feel a special closeness to all those who are going through illness and experiencing poor health,” the pope said.

He added that he would gradually return to his responsibilities following the successful treatment of the condition.

“Having overcome this delicate phase, as you know, I will now gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers,” he said.

The Sunday appearance marked his first public address since undergoing surgery last Tuesday. His recovery has attracted considerable attention from Catholics worldwide, who have followed updates from the Vatican about his medical condition.

The pope was discharged from Gemelli Hospital on Saturday afternoon, earlier than initially expected. During his stay, surgeons removed a malignant tumour from his right lung.

Following his discharge, Leo appeared to be in stable condition. He walked through the hospital corridors, greeted patients and stopped to exchange a few words and shake hands with some of them before leaving for Vatican City.

The pontiff is expected to remain in Rome during his recovery rather than travel to Castel Gandolfo, where he normally spends periods of rest.

The Vatican had also announced the cancellation of his private audiences through Tuesday, October 20, as he continues to recover.

His planned visit to three South American countries next month remains on the schedule, with no official announcement of any changes as of Sunday.

Pope Addresses Hypocrisy and Christian Responsibility

Beyond his health update, Leo XIV used his Angelus reflection to examine Jesus Christ’s teaching on the relationship between civic obligations and devotion to God.

The pope focused on the biblical passage in which Jesus says, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

He explained that the teaching emerged from an attempt by the Pharisees to trap Jesus with a politically sensitive question about whether paying taxes to the Roman emperor was lawful.

According to the pope, Jesus recognised the intention behind the question and responded in a way that exposed the hypocrisy of those challenging him.

Leo XIV noted that although Jesus’ questioners publicly praised his honesty and impartiality, their intentions were far from sincere.

He said the passage offers an important lesson about living truthfully, fulfilling responsibilities and resisting selfish ambitions.

“In Jesus, we contemplate a God who is not afraid of history but comes instead to dwell within it. His Kingdom does not abolish human roles and responsibilities,” the pope said.

He added that God’s Kingdom calls people to reject selfish interests and unjust motives while making righteousness their priority.

Reflecting further on the passage, Leo XIV urged Christians to examine their conduct and ensure that their faith is reflected in their everyday decisions.

“Dear friends, this is precisely what it means to ‘give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s’: to be truthful, free from servile fear or hypocrisy, free to do good,” he said.

The pope concluded by inviting the faithful to pray for the grace to live according to these principles and to seek the intercession of the Virgin Mary.