Pope Leo Returns to Public After Lung Cancer Surgery
Pope Leo XIV returned to St. Peter’s Square, delivering the Angelus prayer days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his lung. He expressed gratitude for the prayers and support received during his hospitalization and pledged to gradually resume his duties.
What happened
- Pope Leo XIV appeared in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, delivering the Angelus prayer after undergoing surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his lung.
- The operation, performed at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung.
- Doctors reported he was in an ‘absolutely satisfactory clinical condition’ and recovery was expected in approximately ten days.
- The Pope expressed gratitude to the medical staff and the faithful for their prayers and support, stating he felt ‘especially close to those facing illness and infirmity.’
- He also thanked the African delegation present for their support.
- Following the surgery, Pope Leo was discharged on Saturday and expressed feeling ‘much better.’
- The Pope is scheduled to travel to South America in November, a trip that doctors confirmed was still planned.
- During his time in hospital, he held a phone call with Vladimir Putin, urging a ceasefire in Oleshky, Ukraine.
Original reporting
- PBS NewsHour: Pope Leo tells faithful in St. Peter's Square he will gradually resume duties after cancer surgery
2026-10-18T16:34:03+00:00 - Deutsche Welle: Pope appears in public for first time since surgery
2026-10-18T14:14:52.735000+00:00 - Fox News World: Pope Leo welcomed back as he delivers Angelus prayer days after lung cancer surgery
2026-10-18T11:42:43+00:00 - Al Jazeera: Pope greeted by crowds in first major appearance since lung cancer surgery
2026-10-19T00:00:00+00:00 - GB News: Pope Leo makes feelings clear to thousands in Vatican just days after lung cancer surgery
2026-10-18T17:17:28+00:00 - South China Morning Post: Pope Leo pledges return to duties following lung cancer surgery
2026-10-18T12:03:20+00:00