Pope Leo XIV led the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter's Square today, marking his first major public appearance since undergoing surgery for lung cancer.

The 71-year-old pontiff, the first American-born pope, was discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Saturday afternoon following the procedure on Tuesday, October 13. Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung after discovering a nodule diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.

During his remarks after the prayer, Pope Leo thanked the faithful for their support. "I have truly felt your support. Thank you," he said. He also expressed special gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Gemelli Hospital, noting that the experience brought him closer to those facing illness.

The pope indicated he would gradually resume his activities with God's help and continued prayers. The Vatican had canceled his audiences through Tuesday, October 20, ahead of the surgery.

Thousands gathered in the square cheered as the pontiff appeared and greeted the crowd. His swift recovery allowed an earlier discharge than initially anticipated, and medical reports described his condition as satisfactory.

In his Angelus reflection, Pope Leo also commented on the Gospel passage about rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's, emphasizing truthfulness and freedom to do good. He marked the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday during the event.