{
  "id": 15402898,
  "title": "Pope Leo has pledged to gradually resume his duties after a surgery",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/pope-leo-has-pledged-to-gradually-resume-his-duties-after-a-surgery",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-18T11:45:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/pope-leo-has-pledged-to-gradually-resume-his-duties-after-a-surgery/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pope Leo has announced his intention to gradually return to his regular duties as the head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. This announcement came during his first public appearance since undergoing surgery, held five days earlier. The 71-year-old pontiff had a procedure on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, which has raised questions about how his health might impact his 17-month papacy. Despite his condition, Pope Leo, who appeared in good spirits while greeting crowds from a window in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, expressed his gratitude to people around the world for their prayers. He stated that he would now begin to resume his normal schedule, crediting his recovery to God's support and the prayers of his followers. Following his discharge from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Saturday, Pope Leo made his way to the palace window on Sunday, holding his usual midday appointment without assistance. He also called upon the waiting pilgrims to abandon any selfish ambitions and serve God without any compromises.",
  "summary": "he 71-year-old pontiff had an operation on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung",
  "key_points": [
    "Pope Leo announces gradual return to duties after surgery",
    "71-year-old pontiff had lung procedure to remove lower lobe",
    "Expresses gratitude for prayers and credits God's support"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}