Pope leads first Mass after cancer surgery, vows gradual return to duties

Pope Leo XIV, who recently underwent cancer surgery, celebrated Sunday Mass at St. Peter's Square on Sunday (local time).

According to the Vatican, the pope presided over the Angelus prayer at St. Peter's Square that day.

The pope expressed gratitude to all those who had prayed for him, saying he would "gradually resume activities" after overcoming a difficult period.

The 71-year-old pope underwent surgery Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after a suspicious nodule was discovered. The procedure confirmed the growth was adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.

On Saturday, medical staff issued a statement through the Vatican saying the pope had undergone blood tests and a chest X-ray and that his condition had been cleared for discharge.

Leo XIV became pope at a comparatively young age relative to his predecessors. He had no significant prior medical history and was known to enjoy sports, including tennis.