“This experience has made me feel a special closeness to all those who are battling illness and infirmity,” he said, in his first public appearance since his lung surgery.

© Alessandra Tarantino/Associated Press

“This experience has made me feel a special closeness to all those who are battling illness and infirmity,” he said, in his first public appearance since his lung surgery.

© Alessandra Tarantino/Associated Press