Pope Leo XIV met pilgrims at the Vatican on Sunday after returning from hospital. He thanked the faithful for their prayers and support, as well as the medical staff at the Agostino Gemelli Hospital.
This was reported by Vatican News.
Pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square and the adjacent Pius XII Square. The Pontiff addressed them from the window of the Apostolic Palace.
"I want to thank everyone who has prayed for me in these days. I truly felt your support," Leo XIV said.
After the Angelus prayer, the Pope also expressed his gratitude to the hospital staff where he had been treated.
According to the Pontiff, the experience he went through helped him better understand people who face illness.
"Having come through this delicate stage, I will now gradually return to my duties, always with God’s help and your prayers," he noted.
- Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of cancer of this organ. All his public engagements were cancelled until 20 October.
- The 71-year-old Pontiff underwent surgery on 13 October. The procedure lasted about 90 minutes and passed without complications. The Pontiff was discharged from hospital as early as 18 October.