Pope Leo XIV addresses adoring crowds at the Vatican just days after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV addresses adoring crowds at the Vatican just days after lung cancer surgery Tourists from the United States and across the world arrive in St Peter's Square to hear the Pope for the first time since his cancer operation after being diagnosed with adenocarcinoma The Pope addressed crowds in St Peter’s Square today - his first official appointment since he was released from the hospital after lung cancer surgery. Thousands flocked to the square to hear Pope Leo XIV deliver the traditional Angelus blessing. American tourists were especially eager to pray alongside the first pope born in the United States. Marla Marsala from Michigan was supposed to attend a Mass with the pope last week that was cancelled due to his hospitalisation. "'I am just happy that we are praying with him today instead of for him, like we were before," Marsala said. "It was a tough week for all of the people who love him, which are many. He seems like a very strong soul. So I think he will pull through and fight it, and succeed and keep doing the wonderful work he is doing." Claire Holland from Jacksonville, Florida, said she felt "very blessed" to be present for the pope's return to his flock. She said: "I'm so happy that he has recovered so quickly. I think there have been millions and millions of prayers. And he is a strong determined man, and I am so happy that he is feeling well enough to do this." Cosimo Mastrocinque, a retired factory worker visiting the Vatican from the southern region of Puglia, said: "It is a miracle that he recovered already. I don't believe it, because he was just operated on the other day." The 71-year-old pontiff had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday in the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate. The surgery confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. He told a reporter in English that he was doing `'much better" as he drove away from Rome's Gemelli hospital to return to the Vatican, well ahead of the weeklong hospital stay than had been initially anticipated. Leo's next major engagement is an ambitious November 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, including a dozen flights and two helicopter rides to high altitudes. His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, said there are "no clinical reasons" to preclude the trip. He said: "The Holy Father has put his heart and soul into his recovery” adding that he expected the pope to recover fully from surgery "in another 10 days or so." "As for a long trip involving air travel in about three weeks, I would say there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place," Dr Margaritora added. Histological testing of the tumour and related lymph nodes was underway. The results, along with details of the tumour's molecular and genetic makeup, will help doctors determine whether the pope needs additional treatment. Options include chemotherapy, a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, or targeted oral therapy based on the tumour's genetic characteristics.