Accra:Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance since undergoing lung surgery, leading the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican a day after being discharged from the hospital.

According to Anadolu Agency, addressing thousands of pilgrims and visitors from a window overlooking St. Peter's Square, the pontiff expressed gratitude to the surgical team and those who offered their support. He mentioned that the experience brought him particularly close to those who are ill and that he would gradually resume his activities with the help of God and the prayers of the faithful.

The pope's surgery was performed at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on October 13 to remove a nodule from his lung. The Vatican reported that the 90-minute operation was successful, with the lower lobe of his right lung removed using video-assisted surgery. A histological examination confirmed lung adenocarcinoma.

He was discharged on Saturday, with the Vatican previously canceling his engagements through October 20 to allow for recovery. Dr. Stefano Margaritora, who performed the surgery, confirmed that the procedure was completed without complications and that the pope's postoperative recovery had gone well.

When asked about the pope's planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6-17, Dr. Margaritora indicated there was no clinical reason to prevent the trip. During his reflection before the Angelus, the pope discussed Jesus' teaching on truthfulness and the importance of being free from servile fear or hypocrisy, encouraging people to do good.

Pope Leo had announced on October 11 that doctors detected a lung nodule and recommended surgery.