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Pope Leo XIV Recovers Swiftly After Lung Surgery
18 Oct
Summary
- Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican following lung cancer surgery.
- He is delivering his first public blessing since being released from hospital.
- Pope Leo XIV's upcoming international trip is deemed clinically feasible.

Catholic faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square to welcome Pope Leo XIV back to the Vatican. This return follows his recent surgery to remove a tumor from his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff delivered the traditional Angelus blessing, his first official engagement since being discharged from the hospital.
Four days prior, Pope Leo XIV had the lower lobe of his right lung removed due to adenocarcinoma. He expressed feeling "much better" upon his departure from the hospital. His surgeon confirmed there are "no clinical reasons" to prevent his upcoming trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
Further testing on the removed tumor is underway to determine if additional treatments like chemotherapy are necessary. Doctors anticipate a full recovery within approximately ten days, making his planned international travel feasible.