Pope Leo Pledges Gradual Return to Duties 5 Days After Lung Cancer Surgery
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Oct 18
Pope Leo Pledges Gradual Return to Duties 5 Days After Lung Cancer Surgery
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Oct 18
Summary
Five days after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, Pope Leo told pilgrims in St. Peter's Square he would slowly resume his normal schedule.
The 71-year-old pontiff appeared unaided from the Apostolic Palace a day after leaving Gemelli hospital, where doctors said blood tests and chest imaging showed he could return home and manage daily activities independently.
About 15,000 people gathered in the square for his first public appearance since the operation, cheering as the first U.S. pope thanked Catholics worldwide for their prayers.
The Vatican has canceled Leo's other public events through at least Wednesday, and it has not said whether he will hold that weekly audience.
His recovery now clouds a demanding Nov. 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru: his surgeon said he could be fully recovered by then, but Cardinal Pietro Parolin has warned his pace may need adjusting.