Pope Leo pledges gradual return to duties after cancer surgery

· Health

Pope Leo XIV pledged a gradual return to duties in his first public event since cancer surgery, reciting the traditional Angelus prayer from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace and thanking people worldwide for their prayers, according to reports. His surgeon said the pontiff was in "absolutely satisfactory clinical condition," estimating another ten days before he was fully recovered. The appearance signals a step toward resuming his normal schedule after his lung cancer diagnosis and surgery.

Why it matters：The health of the pontiff matters for the governance of the global Catholic Church and its diplomatic role in conflicts.

Key points

  • Pope Leo recited the Angelus from the Apostolic Palace balcony.
  • His surgeon described his condition as 'absolutely satisfactory'.
  • He is expected to need about ten more days to fully recover.

Sources (original reporting)

More stories from this day