{
  "id": 15223028,
  "title": "Pope Leo returns to the Vatican 4 days after lung cancer surgery",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/pope-leo-returns-to-the-vatican-4-days-after-lung-cancer-surgery",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-17T15:27:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "PBS NewsHour",
    "slug": "pbs-newshour",
    "url": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/pope-leo-returns-to-the-vatican-4-days-after-lung-cancer-surgery"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday afternoon, four days after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The 71-year-old pontiff returned to the Vatican after doctors confirmed his condition allowed for discharge following blood tests and chest imaging. According to Reuters, the Pope walked unaided to his car and spoke briefly to well-wishers outside the hospital. Doctors stated the surgery, which followed the identification of a suspected cancerous nodule, was completed successfully and without complications.\n\nThe diagnosis was confirmed as lung adenocarcinoma, which ABC News AU describes as the most common form of lung cancer. While doctors have not disclosed the size of the tumor or if the disease has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the Vatican announced the Pope would lead the Angelus prayer from his papal apartment on Sunday. This will mark his first public engagement since the surgery.\n\nThe Vatican had initially estimated the Pope would remain in the hospital for a week and had canceled his audiences through Tuesday, though PBS NewsHour noted experts suggested patients could be discharged earlier depending on recovery. NPR reports the Pope is currently scheduled to travel to Latin America in November.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pope Leo returned to Vatican after lung cancer surgery.",
    "71-year-old pontiff reported feeling much better.",
    "He resumed duties next day, greeting faithful with Angelus blessing."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "Pope Leo XIV to be discharged from hospital after successful lung cancer surgery today",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/pope-leo-xiv-to-be-discharged-from-hospital-after-successful-lung",
        "published": "2026-10-17T10:41:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "NPR",
        "title": "Pope Leo XIV leaves hospital days after lung cancer surgery",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/pope-leo-xiv-leaves-hospital-days-after-lung-cancer-surgery",
        "published": "2026-10-17T15:10:14.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "PBS NewsHour Health",
        "title": "Pope Leo returns to the Vatican 4 days after lung cancer surgery",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/pope-leo-returns-to-the-vatican-4-days-after-lung-cancer-surgery-15228396",
        "published": "2026-10-17T15:27:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}