Pope Leo returns to the Vatican 4 days after lung cancer surgery
The Vatican had initially estimated a weeklong hospital stay and canceled his audiences through Tuesday. Experts said patients could be discharged earlier depending on their recovery.
Pope Leo returned to the Vatican on Saturday, four days after undergoing lung cancer surgery at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where numerous well-wishers greeted him with cries of "Holiness." The 71-year-old pontiff reported feeling much better when asked, as he was driven away in a black SUV. Pope Leo greeted patients inside the hospital alongside his surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, before waving to well-wishers outside as he entered his vehicle.
He paused to accept a homemade papal doll from a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl, who credited Leo with helping her overcome cancer during a 2019 audience in St. Peter's Square. Ten minutes after leaving the hospital, the pope arrived at the Vatican gates, where he would resume some duties the following day, greeting the faithful with the Angelus blessing, exactly a week after announcing the discovery of a lung nodule.
The surgery confirmed the 71-year-old pope had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, and required the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. Since the surgery, Pope Leo has shown signs of recovery and participated in various activities, including a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, meetings with senior aides, and celebrating Mass in a makeshift hospital chapel.
The Vatican released the first images of the pope since his surgery, showing him in green vestments at an altar in the hospital chapel. Doctors stated that tests confirmed his continued improvement. Leo presided alone over the liturgy, distributing Communion to medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes. In his homily, he thanked hospital staff for their work and specifically acknowledged their care during his treatment.
The Vatican initially estimated a week-long hospital stay, canceling audiences through Tuesday. Experts noted that patients could be discharged earlier based on their recovery, with the decision ultimately resting with the pope's doctors. Pope Leo's next major engagement is a trip to Latin America from November 6-17, which will provide him with about three more weeks to recover before an ambitious journey with dozens of flights and helicopter trips.
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