Mirian Gom 
Pope Leo XIV
ABUJA, Nigeria – Pope Leo XIV has made his first major public appearance following lung surgery, thanking supporters for their prayers and announcing a gradual return to his duties as he recovers.
The 71-year-old pontiff addressed thousands of worshippers in St Peter’s Square on Sunday during his traditional Angelus prayer and address, according to the supplied report.
“I would like to thank all the people who have been praying for me these days,” he said. “Having overcome this delicate phase, as you know I will now gradually resume my activities.”
The crowd welcomed his appearance at the window of the Apostolic Palace with cheers of “Viva il papa!” However, questions remain about his recovery and planned international travel.
Christopher Butler, a 68-year-old parish priest from Leeds, England, described Leo as a “great shepherd for the Catholic Church” and urged him to allow enough time for a full recovery.
Soledad Espinosa, 59, from Ecuador, welcomed reports that the pope might still visit Latin America next month. Norma Grasso, 76, from Argentina, also expressed support, saying people were waiting for his return.
According to the report, surgeons removed part of the pope’s right lung at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday. He was discharged on Saturday.
His surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News that the pontiff was in “absolutely satisfactory clinical condition” and estimated he would need about ten more days to recover fully.
Margaritora said doctors discovered the tumour by chance during a routine abdominal X-ray, which revealed a small spot at the base of the pope’s right lung.
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Hope Ajayi 
Oluwatobi Adu