Pope Leo XIV returned to Sunday’s Angelus after leaving hospital following lung surgery.
The Pope led Sunday prayers in St Peter’s Square after leaving hospital and thanked worshippers and medical staff for their support.
Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance after lung surgery on Sunday, leading the Angelus in St Peter’s Square. He told worshippers their prayers had helped him feel close to them during his recovery.
The Pope addressed thousands of pilgrims and visitors a day after leaving Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital. Surgeons had removed a portion of his right lung on Tuesday.
Pope Leo XIV resumes public prayers
The traditional midday prayer marked the Pope’s first scheduled public appearance since his discharge on Saturday afternoon. His medical team confirmed that blood tests and a chest X-ray showed enough improvement for him to leave hospital.
Leo thanked Professor Stefano Margaritora, who led the surgical team, for his care. He also expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers who supported his recovery.
Before leaving hospital, the Pope celebrated Mass on the facility’s 10th floor. He also thanked the medical staff and hospital leadership.
Sunday’s Angelus brought him back before the faithful after several days of medical care. During the gathering, he acknowledged the prayers that had accompanied him through that period.
A call to faithfulness in daily life
In his reflection, Leo discussed Jesus’ response to a question about paying taxes. Jesus’ answer distinguished obligations to Caesar from those owed to God.
The Pope said the response exposed the hypocrisy of people who wanted to trap Jesus. At the same time, it highlighted the importance of remaining faithful to God amid everyday duties.
He explained that God enters human history rather than standing apart from it. Therefore, he said, the kingdom of God does not remove people’s responsibilities in daily life.
Leo urged Christians to uphold their values while resisting selfish ambitions and unjust motives. He also called on them to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness.
Truthfulness and freedom from hypocrisy formed another part of his message. He described that approach as a way to live without servile fear while retaining the freedom to do good.
