Chiara Nava Applause and a large turnout in St. Peter's Square greeted the public return of Pope Leo XIV , who appeared promptly at noon on Sunday, October 18, from the window of the Apostolic Palace to recite the Angelus. The Pontiff had returned to the Vatican only the previous day, after being admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome for surgery on his right lung.
His first appearance since his resignation was greeted with enthusiasm by the faithful present in the square. During the prayer, the Pope thanked the doctors, nurses, and all those who supported him with their prayers , announcing that he will gradually resume his activities.
The Pope's message: "Offices and responsibilities do not remove the duty of justice."
During the Angelus, Leo XIV dedicated a reflection to the relationship between faith, responsibility and justice , recalling the Gospel passage " Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's ."
In Jesus we contemplate a God who does not fear history and instead comes to dwell within it. His Kingdom does not remove human burdens and responsibilities.
However, it asks us to live without compromise, free from bad ambitions and unjust interests, placing the Kingdom of God and His justice before everything else ,” the Pontiff affirmed.
The Pope then emphasized the importance of being " truthful, free from awe and hypocrisy, free for the good ." A reminder of the need to fulfill our duties and responsibilities without renouncing moral principles and the pursuit of justice.
Thanks to doctors and the faithful: "I will gradually resume my activities."
A significant part of the speech was dedicated to the people who accompanied Leo XIV during the days of hospitalization . “ Thank you to those who prayed for me, I felt your support ,” said the Pope, expressing particular gratitude to the doctors, nurses and all the staff of the Gemelli Polyclinic.
The Pontiff added that the experience of illness has allowed him to feel even more closely the condition of those who face health problems and moments of fragility.
" Once this delicate phase has passed, as you know, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God's help and your prayers. Thank you again everyone and have a good Sunday ," he concluded.
During the apparition, Leo XIV read the prepared text at a calm pace and without apparent hesitation , appearing in overall good condition. His return to the Angelus thus represents his first public appearance since his discharge, while his recovery will continue according to the doctors' instructions.