Filipino faithful rejoice as Pope Leo leads Sunday Angelus following hospital release
VATICAN CITY — Filipinos joined thousands of faithful from across the globe in St. Peter’s Square to celebrate Pope Leo XIV’s return after his successful lung surgery.
Appearing before the public for the first time since his discharge from Gemelli Hospital, the Pontiff led the traditional Sunday Angelus.
The Pope offered warm thanks for the prayers and support received during his recovery.
Albert Loteyro, President of Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, traveled to Rome to represent the Philippines at the International Forum Catholic Action conference.
Although the conference delegates’ scheduled private audience with the Holy Father was postponed following the sudden surgery, Loteyro expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to gather in St. Peter’s Square and pray for the Pontiff’s swift recovery.
“I was looking forward to meeting the Holy Father, but there are things that we cannot avoid,” Loteyro shared.
Among the crowd was Reginald Reyes, who traveled with fellow pilgrims from Project Mornese under the guidance of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco.
With their flight back to the Philippines scheduled for Sunday evening, the group feared they would return home without seeing the Holy Father. Seeing Pope Leo XIV step out onto the balcony felt like an answered prayer for them.
“Literally in the end, we are glad to have met the Pope kahit malayo, kahit tanaw lang. Kasi inaasahan naman namin na dito sa pagpunta namin sa Roma ay makita namin siya,” Reyes said. “Isa ‘yon sa mga biyaya nitong aming pilgrimage na ‘to.”
Making her very first trip to Rome at 87 years old, Filipino-American Fely Drilon Baticados landed in Italy last Monday, the day after news broke of the Pope’s upcoming lung surgery.
Devastated by the timing, she worried her lifelong wish would be left unfulfilled. Yet, standing in St. Peter’s Square as Pope Leo XIV appeared at his window, her worries turned into pure joy.
“Sabi ko, hindi ko na makita ang Pope kasi may sakit. Sabi ko, get well soon po. I prayed for him, and I was able to see him now. I’m very lucky,” Baticados said.