vPope Leo XIV made his first major public appearance on Sunday, October 18, 2026, after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, drawing cheers from thousands of worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

The 71-year-old pontiff appeared at the window of the Apostolic Palace to lead the traditional Angelus prayer. He thanked people around the world for their prayers and expressed special gratitude to the doctors, nurses and medical staff who cared for him at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

The Pope underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors identified a cancerous tumour. He was discharged from hospital on Saturday after medical assessments confirmed that he was fit to return to the Vatican.

Leo said he would gradually resume his usual activities, while reflecting that his experience had brought him closer to people living with illness.

His recovery is being closely followed by Catholics worldwide, with attention also focused on his planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.

This report is based on published reporting and official updates from:

• Channels Television: Pope Addresses Crowd In Vatican After Cancer Surgery
• Vatican News: Pope at Angelus: “I have truly felt your support”
• Reuters: Pope Leo pledges gradual return to duties in first event since cancer surgery
• Associated Press: Pope Leo tells faithful he will gradually resume duties after cancer surgery

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