Five days after surgery, León XIV appeared at a window of the Palacio Apostólico Vaticano. He had left Policlínico Gemelli on Saturday. Surgeons operated on 13 October after doctors found a small, localized nodule in his right lung, removing the lower lobe with a video-assisted technique. The procedure lasted about 90 minutes, while the Pope spent around three hours in the operating room. An examination of the tissue during surgery confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, which the Vatican said had been detected at an early stage. His voice sounded strong as he addressed the crowd.
About 35,000 people came to plaza de San Pedro to see him in person.
The square and nearby streets filled as people passed through security checks. Families and tourists joined the crowd, along with nuns and priests. Before León XIV left hospital, doctors reviewed blood tests and a chest X-ray, then cleared him to go home. RUSSPAIN has also covered major public events in Spain, including the Premio Planeta ceremony in Barcelona.
Pilgrims shouted a welcome before the Pope began speaking, making him laugh. He then delivered his usual reflection on the Sunday Gospel. He described a God who enters history and a kingdom that leaves human responsibilities in place. He called on people to live free of unjust interests and ambition.
After the Ángelus, León XIV gave the blessing and marked the Domund anniversary, referring to a century of missionary history. He thanked those who had prayed for him, then praised the staff at Policlínico Gemelli, including its doctors and nurses. The crowd applauded the medical workers. The Vatican said the operation had been successful and caused no immediate complications.
He said the operation and diagnosis had brought him closer to people living with illness. He plans to return to work gradually, with God’s help and the support of prayers. His public schedule had largely been cleared through at least 20 October to give him time to recover.
Wednesday’s general audience is due to take place at plaza de San Pedro, but the Pope’s attendance remains unconfirmed. Some 300 Spaniards are expected to join a special pilgrimage of the sinpecado of the Hermandad del Rocío.
The following week, León XIV is scheduled to travel to Asís on 27 October for an interreligious meeting. It will remember the gathering Juan Pablo II held there exactly 40 years earlier with representatives of all religions.
