Smiling pope returns to Vatican after cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday after a four-day hospital stay for lung cancer surgery, greeted by well-wishers outside Gemelli hospital. The 71-year-old pontiff, seen smiling and shaking hands, spoke briefly to treating doctors and hospital staff before departing. He then travelled in a black SUV to the Vatican, where he resumed his papal duties.

Surgeon Stefano Margaritora stated that Leo was in "absolutely satisfactory clinical condition," with further recovery expected over the next ten days. The Pope, who had his lower right lung removed to remove a cancerous tumor, celebrated mass at the Vatican and planned to recite the Angelus prayer the following day. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his health, Leo had resumed some work, including a call to Russian President Vladimir Putin urging a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The Pope, who has cancelled all audiences until October 20, had cancelled the planned papal voyage to South America, though Margaritora believed there were no clinical reasons to delay the trip.