Pope Leo XIV Returns After Cancer Surgery, Plans Gradual Resumption of Duties

Pope Leo XIV announced that he needed surgery to remove a lung nodule a week before his October 18 return to public prayer. According to La Nacion, he described the nodule as being at an early stage and well localised.

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery on Tuesday, October 13. Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, The Independent reported. Infobae identified the cancer as an adenocarcinoma.

Leo left hospital on Saturday, October 17, four days after the operation. Euronews reported that he returned following surgery for a malignant tumour in his right lung.

On Sunday, October 18, he appeared at a window of the Apostolic Palace to lead the Angelus. Thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square and applauded his return, according to La Nacion. ABC described him as smiling and speaking with a strong voice.

He thanked those who had prayed for him and the doctors who treated him. According to Adnkronos - ultimoratop, he said he had passed the delicate phase and would gradually resume his activities.

The experience also shaped his message to people facing illness. "This experience has made me feel a special closeness to all those who are battling illness and infirmity," he said, according to NYT World News.

The public appearance marks a return to duties, but not yet a full schedule. World News CNA reported that Leo's surgeon described him as being in "absolutely satisfactory clinical condition" and estimated another ten days before he was fully recovered.

On October 19, ANSA.it reported that Vatican sources said his recovery was continuing and that he would hold a general audience on Wednesday.

The next announced event is the general audience with pilgrims at the Vatican on October 21. It will be his first such audience since the surgery, according to CNN Brasil, which attributed the announcement to the Vatican.

His planned South America trip is another point to watch. Deutsche Welle reported that his surgeon saw no "clinical reason" for it not to go ahead. That assessment is separate from the gradual return to activities Leo has promised.