Pope Leo Calls for End to Violence in Yemen in First Address After Surgery

Reuters/Vincenzo Livieri

Pope Leo waves as he leads the Angelus prayer from a window of the Apostolic Palace.

Pope Leo called for an end to the violence in Yemen on Sunday, addressing the faithful from the window overlooking St Peter’s Square less than two weeks after undergoing surgery for lung cancer.

The 71-year-old pontiff expressed particular concern over the humanitarian crisis in Taiz, a city in south-western Yemen, where he said people were suffering from shortages of food, water and medical assistance.

He waved and smiled at the crowds after reaching the window unaided. It was the same spot where, on 11 October, he announced plans to undergo an operation to remove a small growth from his lung, marking the first major health concern of his papacy.

"I'm making a heartfelt appeal for the hostilities to stop, so that the people in Yemen and across the entire region can live in peace," he said in a very firm and clear voice.

The pope said he was also praying for those who had been killed and wounded in the "terrorist attack against Orthodox ‌faithful" ⁠at the Hamoud church in Jordan on Friday.

"I'm close to that community and the entire country, which is known for the peaceful and respectful coexistence of different religions," the pontiff said.

Pope Leo urged people to pray for a gathering of religious leaders aimed at promoting peace, which is due to take place in the Italian city of Assisi on Tuesday.

The pontiff had been scheduled to attend the event but cancelled his visit on medical advice to allow him more time to recover, the Vatican said on Friday.

On 13 October, the Pope underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Last week, doctors said he would not require further treatment, indicating that the tumour had not spread.

Source: Reuters



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