---
title: "Pope Leo XIV Returns to Vatican After Lung Cancer Surgery"
url: https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-returns-to-vatican-after-lung-cancer-surgery/
language: en
publisher: "News Central Site"
section: "Health"
published: 2026-10-18T10:25:43.000Z
updated: 2026-10-18T14:48:08.743Z
id: e8d92aae-2ef9-4751-a84f-6abfc88f6094
source: "ABC News Health https://abcnews.com/Health/wireStory/faithful-gather-pope-leo-back-sunday-blessing-after-137358394"
attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-returns-to-vatican-after-lung-cancer-surgery/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Pope Leo XIV Returns to Vatican After Lung Cancer Surgery

The Pope has returned to his duties after undergoing surgery to remove a lung tumor, delivering the Angelus blessing in St Peter's Square.

The Catholic faithful have gathered in St Peter's Square to welcome Pope Leo XIV back to the Vatican after undergoing surgery to remove a lung tumor.

Pope Leo XIV has been released from hospital just four days after undergoing cancer surgery and is now delivering his first official appointment since recovery - the traditional Angelus blessing. The 71-year-old pontiff was operated on at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where the lower lobe of his right lung was removed in a procedure to confirm adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.

The surgery had been a major health event for the Pope, who has only just begun his second year in office. However, in a swift recovery that has surprised many, he is now back at work, albeit with some time still to fully recover from his ordeal.

As he returned to the Vatican, the Pope seemed upbeat, telling reporters that he was 'doing much better' than expected after driving away from hospital - a week ahead of schedule.

As the Pope returned to his duties after a week-long hospitalization for cancer surgery, thousands of faithful gathered at the Vatican to welcome him back and receive his Sunday blessing. Among those present were American tourists who had been eager to pray alongside the first pope born in the United States.

One tourist, Marla Marsala from Michigan, expressed her joy at being able to pray with the Pope after missing a scheduled Mass last week due to his hospitalization. She described him as "a very strong soul" and was confident that he would make a full recovery. According to Marsala, the outpouring of prayers for the Pope's health had been immense.

Claire Holland from Jacksonville, Florida, also felt blessed to be present at the Pope's return to his flock. She praised the Pope's determination and resilience in recovering quickly from surgery. Holland attributed the Pope's speedy recovery to the millions of prayers that had been offered on his behalf.

The Pope's next major engagement is a significant trip scheduled for November 6-17, which will take him to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The itinerary includes multiple flights and helicopter rides to high altitudes, but there are currently no clinical reasons to preclude the trip, according to Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the Pope's surgeon.

The Vatican has confirmed that the Pope is feeling well enough to participate in this ambitious trip, despite his recent health issues. The Pope's ability to recover quickly and return to his duties has been a source of hope for many who have been praying for his health and well-being.

The recovery process of Pope Leo has been a remarkable one, with doctors optimistic about his chances of making a full recovery from cancer surgery. According to medical experts, it is expected that the pope will take around another 10 days or so to fully recover.

Histological testing is currently underway on the tumor and related lymph nodes, which will provide crucial information for doctors to determine the best course of treatment. The results will also help identify whether the pope needs additional therapy, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted oral therapy based on the tumor's genetic characteristics.

The positive outlook on the pope's health has been a source of hope and comfort for those who have been praying for his well-being, allowing him to return to his duties with renewed energy.

---
Source: [ABC News Health](https://abcnews.com/Health/wireStory/faithful-gather-pope-leo-back-sunday-blessing-after-137358394)  
Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/pope-leo-xiv-returns-to-vatican-after-lung-cancer-surgery/