Pope Leo Returns to Vatican After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo arrived back at the Vatican on Saturday, four days after undergoing an operation to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung at Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital. When asked about his condition, the pontiff said he felt “much better,” despite onlookers chanting “holiness” as his car pulled away.

The surgery on Tuesday involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung and confirmed the presence of adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Doctors say his recovery is progressing well, with recent tests indicating continued improvement.

During his brief convalescence, the pope has spoken on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, met with senior Vatican aides, and celebrated Mass in a temporary chapel set up within the hospital. A Vatican spokesperson reported that Leo thanked the hospital staff for their daily care of the sick and for the assistance they provided him.

He is expected to resume some duties on Sunday, when he will deliver the traditional Angelus blessing to the faithful. His next major commitment is a trip to Latin America scheduled for mid‑November, giving him roughly three weeks to prepare for a demanding itinerary that includes a dozen flights and two helicopter journeys.

Leo is the first pontiff from the United States, originally from Chicago, though he has spent many years serving in South America and holds Peruvian citizenship.