VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo committed on Sunday to slowly resuming his pastoral responsibilities as the leader of the global Catholic community during his first public appearance after undergoing surgery to remove a portion of his right lung, an operation that occurred five days prior.
The 71-year-old pontiff’s procedure on Tuesday drew widespread attention to the potential implications of his health condition on his 17-month papacy.
Speaking from a window of the Apostolic Palace, the Pope expressed gratitude to global believers for their prayers and declared his intention to gradually reengage with his regular ministry schedule.
“Having navigated this delicate phase, I will now begin to incrementally resume my activities, always relying on God’s grace and your continued support,” Leo stated.
Freely descending to the palace window following his discharge from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, the Pope proceeded with his customary midday audience as scheduled.
Addressing the gathered faithful under overcast skies, he encouraged them to set aside personal ambitions and commit to serving God without compromise.
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