"Thank you to those who prayed for me; I truly felt your support". With these comments and a heartfelt "Happy Sunday!", Pope Leo returned to address the faithful, appearing from the window of the Apostolic Palace in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus.
This is the Pope's first public appearance since his delicate surgery at the Gemelli Polyclinic to remove a lung tumor. At least 15,000 people filled the square to welcome him back, greeting his return with a long and enthusiastic ovation. The Pope, visibly moved at the end of the prayer, gave a personal remark formed from this experience: "It made me feel, in a special way, closeness to those experiencing illness and physical disability". In his speech, Leo expressed profound gratitude not only to the faithful all over the world for their love and support during his convalescence, but also to the doctors, nurses, and all of the healthcare workers at Gemelli Hospital who helped him during his treatment and stay.