A Frail-Looking Joe Biden Makes First Public Appearance Since Starting Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer — Spotted Attending Evening Mass in Delaware
President Joe Biden was seen in public for the first time since beginning radiation therapy for prostate cancer, appearing noticeably frail as he attended evening Mass on October 18 at St. Joseph on the Brandywine, the Delaware church he’s frequented for decades. The 82-year-old President, who has long described his faith as a personal anchor during life’s most difficult chapters, was accompanied by family members and close aides as he made the quiet visit, marking his return to public life after weeks of private treatment.
The New York Post’s exclusive photos show Biden walking slowly but steadily, wearing a light blue jacket and dark trousers, with his familiar aviator sunglasses shielding his eyes. The images quickly spread across social media, sparking both concern and well wishes from supporters who have followed his recent health struggles. Sources close to the White House confirmed that the President has been undergoing targeted radiation therapy for early-stage prostate cancer, a condition discovered during his annual physical earlier this year.
White House physicians previously described the prognosis as “excellent,” noting that Biden’s cancer had been detected early and treated promptly. Still, the latest photos highlight the toll that treatment can take — even on a sitting President. Observers noted that Biden appeared thinner than in previous appearances, and at moments leaned on aides as he navigated the church steps. Yet those who know him best say his spirit remains unshaken.
A longtime parishioner at St. Joseph on the Brandywine, Biden has often been photographed attending Mass there quietly, away from political events and cameras. This particular visit carried a more somber tone. Parishioners who were present described the atmosphere as reverent and subdued. One attendee told local reporters that Biden appeared “focused and prayerful,” spending several minutes in silence before lighting a candle near the altar.
His reemergence comes amid questions about his ability to maintain the rigorous demands of the presidency while receiving medical care. Administration officials have been careful to emphasize that Biden remains “fully engaged” in his duties, participating in briefings and signing documents while resting at his Wilmington residence. Still, critics have seized on the photos as evidence of declining health — a talking point likely to resurface as the 2026 political season intensifies.
Inside the White House, aides have reportedly rallied around the President, with Vice President Kamala Harris and Chief of Staff Jeff Zients managing select in-person meetings on his behalf. Officials insist that there are no plans for Biden to step back from his role or alter his schedule beyond minor adjustments for rest and recovery.
Despite political noise, the sight of Biden back at church struck a chord with supporters who view his return as a quiet act of resilience. “He’s been through loss, grief, and now illness — but faith has always brought him back,” one Delaware resident said.
The President’s health has been a recurring focus of public scrutiny, but the administration’s transparency around his treatment has been praised by medical professionals. Experts note that modern radiation therapy for prostate cancer is minimally invasive and often yields strong recovery rates for men in their 80s, especially when detected early.
As Biden left the church grounds that evening, he paused briefly to wave to onlookers before departing in his motorcade — a small but symbolic moment for a man who continues to balance personal battles with public duty. For now, those closest to him say his priority remains the same as always: faith, family, and service.
