Pope Leo XIV has thanked worshippers for their prayers and support following surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung, saying he will gradually return to his regular duties.

The pontiff made the remarks on Sunday during his first weekly Angelus blessing since the operation, addressing thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. He appeared at the window overlooking the square, where he had disclosed a week earlier that doctors had discovered a lung nodule requiring surgery.

“’Now that this delicate phase is behind me, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers,” Leo said, speaking with a firm voice four days after the lower lobe of his right lung was surgically removed.

The 71-year-old pope also reflected on his hospital stay, saying the experience had strengthened his connection with people battling health challenges. He acknowledged the encouragement he received from worshippers and praised the medical team that treated him.

The pontiff remarked that his time in hospital “has made me feel especially close to those facing illness and infirmity.” He assured the faithful he had ‘’truly felt your support,” and offered ‘’particular gratitude to the doctors, nurses and all the staff at Gemelli hospital” who cared for him.

The pope’s appearance prompted cheers from the crowd, while members of an African delegation attending a conference in Rome celebrated his return with dancing and ululation after the blessing.

‘’He was always in our prayers when he was sick, and we are happy to see him today,″ said Alain Kalembu of the Democratic Republic of Congo. ″This is an expression of our joy.″

Leo briefly waved to the worshippers before returning inside his suite at the Apostolic Palace, marking a cautious step towards resuming his public engagements.

The surgery took place on Tuesday and was the first major health incident of his 17-month pontificate. Medical findings confirmed that the pope had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. (The Independent UK/Sunday Tribune)