Pope Leo XIV Returns to the Vatican After Surgery

Pope Leo XIV made a return to the Vatican on Sunday, appearing before thousands of Catholic faithful in St. Peter’s Square. This followed his surgery to remove a tumor from his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff participated in the Angelus prayer from a window overlooking the square. This marked his first official engagement since his discharge from Gemelli hospital, where doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung.

Leo expressed his gratitude for the prayers and support he received during his hospitalization. He mentioned that his health struggles connected him with those suffering from illness. He also thanked the doctors and hospital staff for their care following the operation.

Pope Leo XIV discharged from hospital, will return to Vatican after surgery to remove lung cancer.

The first American-born pope intends to gradually resume his activities with divine help and the continued prayers of the faithful. During his Angelus address, Leo spoke on Jesus’ teachings about integrity and resisting hypocrisy.

His return was sooner than expected as doctors initially anticipated a one-week hospital stay after the surgery. Upon leaving the hospital, the pope informed reporters that he was feeling “much better.” Crowds gathered to witness the pope’s blessing at St. Peter’s Square, expressing happiness about his recovery.

The surgery addressed Leo’s first major health issue within his 17-month pontificate. The tumor was identified as adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. Further testing determines the necessary additional treatments, which may include chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Pope Leo XIV plans to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from Nov. 6 through Nov. 17. This demanding schedule involves multiple flights and helicopter rides. According to his surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, Leo is recovering well enough for the trip, with expectations of full recovery within ten days.

Dr. Margaritora expressed confidence in the pope’s ability to handle the travel schedule, stating there is no clinical reason to cancel the trip.