Pope Leo Says He Will Gradually Resume Duties

Pope Leo XIV said he would gradually resume his duties after appearing publicly in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, two days after leaving hospital following surgery for lung cancer. The appearance was his first major public engagement since doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung on October 13. Speaking from a window of the Apostolic Palace during the traditional Angelus prayer, Leo thanked people for their prayers and said he had overcome what he called a delicate phase. He appeared smiling and spoke in a firm, clear voice, addressing thousands gathered in the square. The 71-year-old pontiff was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, October 17, after doctors reviewed blood tests and chest imaging and assessed him as fit to return to the Vatican. Doctors said he could perform normal daily activities independently. He had been admitted for the operation on October 13. Lead surgeon Stefano Margaritora said Leo was in satisfactory clinical condition and estimated he would make a full recovery in about 10 days. Margaritora also said he saw no clinical reason the pope’s planned November 6-17 visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru should not proceed. The Vatican...