Pope Leo XIV Recovers Swiftly After Lung Surgery

Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Sunday, welcomed by faithful in St. Peter's Square after undergoing surgery to remove a lung tumor. The 71-year-old pontiff is delivering the traditional Angelus blessing, his first official engagement since being discharged from the hospital the previous day. This marks a swift recovery following his cancer surgery.

The surgery, performed on Tuesday, involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung due to adenocarcinoma. Despite the recent health event, doctors have indicated no clinical reasons to prevent his planned ambitious trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November. This journey includes multiple flights and helicopter rides.

Further histological testing is underway to determine if additional treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy will be necessary. His surgeon expressed confidence in a full recovery within approximately ten days, paving the way for his upcoming international travel.