Pope Leo XIV expresses gratitude for the affection he received after undergoing surgery for lung cancer

Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude for all the gestures of support he received during his stay at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, where underwent surgery for lung cancer on Oct. 13.

"I would like to thank all the people who have been praying for me these past few days," said Robert Prevost from the Vatican, where a crowd of the faithful awaited him.

Leo XIV took the opportunity to announce that he will "gradually" resume his schedule. Among his scheduled engagements is an official trip to South America from Nov. 6 to 17, visiting countries such as Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, a country where he served as a missionary and bishop and of which holds citizenship.

After undergoing surgery, the pontiff spent several days at Gemelli, all of them on a regular ward. Leo XIV was discharged Saturday after his doctors, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Dr. Stefano Margaritora, determined that he was ready to leave the hospital.

Among the many gestures of affection and support he received was one from President Donald Trump, who did not hesitate to wish Leo XIV a speedy recovery.