Key facts
- Pope Leo XIV appeared in St. Peter's Square on Sunday.
- The pontiff underwent surgery for lung cancer five days prior.
- He spoke to pilgrims from a Vatican window.
- Pope Leo XIV urged pilgrims to serve God without compromise.
Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance on Sunday, five days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff spoke to crowds in St. Peter's Square from a window of the Vatican's apostolic palace, smiling as he addressed pilgrims below in a firm voice. The surgery on Tuesday involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. Pope Leo XIV came to the window unaided and urged pilgrims to serve God without compromise. On Friday, he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging a truce with Ukraine. Pope Francis also made a public appearance one day after being released from the hospital after undergoing lung cancer surgery.