Pope Leo XIV has made his first major public appearance since undergoing lung cancer surgery, telling thousands of Catholic faithful at the Vatican that he would gradually return to his duties.

The 71-year-old pope spoke from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square during the traditional Angelus blessing on Sunday. Approximately 15,000 people had gathered in the square for the appearance.

“Now that this delicate phase is behind me, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers,” Leo said.

He thanked those who had supported him during his illness and said the experience had “made me feel especially close to those facing illness and infirmity”. He also expressed particular gratitude to the doctors, nurses and other staff at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he was treated.

Medical results still pending

The operation confirmed that the pope had adenocarcinoma, described in the source report as the most common type of lung cancer. Test results determining whether the cancer had spread were still pending.

A week before the appearance, Leo had told those attending the Angelus that a nodule had been found in his lung and would be surgically removed.

After delivering the blessing, the pope paused and waved to the crowd before returning to his apartment in the Apostolic Palace.

The appearance prompted celebrations among visitors in St Peter’s Square. A delegation from Africa danced and ululated after the blessing.

Alain Kalembu, who was part of a delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said the pope had remained in their prayers during his illness.

“He was always in our prayers when he was sick, and we are happy to see him today,” Kalembu said. “This is an expression of our joy.”

Claire Holland of Jacksonville, Florida, said she felt “very blessed” to witness the pope’s return to his public duties. Soledad Espinosa of Ecuador said people were hoping for his recovery and were pleased to see him.

Questions over November journey

Attention also remains on a planned papal voyage to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru scheduled for November. There had been uncertainty over whether the trip would proceed.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said the pope might need to adjust the pace of his schedule “according to the condition of his health”.

Stefano Margaritora, the pope’s surgeon, separately told Vatican News that he believed there were “no clinical reasons why the trip should not go ahead”.

Leo’s public appearance marked a cautious step back into his responsibilities, while the pending medical results and guidance from his doctors remain important to the timing of his future activities.