Just one day after returning to the Vatican following lung surgery, Pope Leo XIV offered a deeply personal message to the faithful, expressing gratitude for the prayers that sustained him through his hospitalization and reflecting on his renewed closeness to those suffering from illness.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus on October 18, the Holy Father acknowledged the outpouring of spiritual support he received while recovering at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
“I have truly felt your support. Thank you!” Pope Leo said, according to Vatican News.
The Pope’s remarks followed a challenging week in which he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous nodule from his lung. The procedure took place on Tuesday, October 13, and required several days of hospitalization before doctors determined he was ready to return home.
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo was discharged Saturday afternoon after blood tests and a chest X-ray that morning confirmed he was medically fit to leave the hospital.
Before departing, the Holy Father personally expressed his appreciation to the physician who performed the operation, along with the medical professionals and hospital leadership who oversaw his treatment.
During Sunday’s Angelus, he renewed that appreciation publicly, offering “special gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and all the staff at the Gemelli Policlinic”.
Yet the Pope’s message extended beyond his own recovery.
Reflecting on the experience of undergoing surgery and spending time in the hospital, Pope Leo spoke of a deeper awareness of the struggles faced by people living with serious health challenges.
“This experience has allowed me to feel, in a particular way, a closeness to all those who are living through illness or a state of infirmity”, he said, as reported by Vatican News.
His words offered a moment of solidarity with the sick and suffering, placing his personal experience within the broader reality of human vulnerability and the need for compassion.
For Catholics, the Pope’s reflections also serve as a reminder of the importance of prayer, particularly for those facing uncertainty, illness, and difficult periods of recovery.
Although the Holy Father has returned to the Vatican, his recovery remains a priority, and his public schedule will resume gradually.
“Now that this delicate phase has passed—as you know—I will gradually resume my activities, always with the help of God and your prayers”, Pope Leo said.
According to Vatican News, the Prefecture of the Papal Household had previously canceled all papal audiences through Tuesday, October 20, to accommodate the Pope’s medical treatment and recovery.
The Holy Father’s return marks an encouraging development following his hospitalization, though his remarks make clear that he intends to approach his responsibilities with patience as he regains his strength.
As Pope Leo XIV begins this next stage of recovery, his message to Catholics around the world is one of gratitude, solidarity with the suffering, and continued trust in God’s help.
For the faithful who have accompanied him in prayer, his heartfelt words offer a meaningful reassurance that their spiritual support has been received and deeply appreciated.
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