{
  "id": 15428112,
  "title": "Pope appears in public for first time since surgery",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/pope-appears-in-public-for-first-time-since-surgery-15428112",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-18T14:14:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW News",
    "slug": "dw-news",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/pope-appears-in-public-for-first-time-since-surgery/a-79692583?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pope Leo XIV made his public debut following lung cancer surgery, addressing supporters for the first time. The 71-year-old removed part of his right lung during the procedure at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. After being discharged on Saturday, the pontiff thanked those who prayed for him. Speaking normally, he expressed gratitude to the medical staff and his supporters. Pope Leo, who is 71, thanked God for his recovery. He had previously discussed the situation in Ukraine, urging for a ceasefire in Oleshky. The surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, reported that the pope is in good clinical condition, with recovery likely within a few days. The pope's upcoming trip to South America, including Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, is scheduled between November 6 and 17. Dr. Margaritora stated there are no clinical reasons to postpone the trip. The pope, born in Chicago, has been in office since May 2025.",
  "summary": "Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance on Sunday, October 18, 2026, addressing a crowd at the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square. The 71-year-old pontiff, who was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, stated he will gradually resume his duties. During the appearance, he expressed gratitude to the medical staff and to those who prayed for him, noting that the experience brought him closer to people living with illness or infirmity.\n\nThe Pope underwent surgery on Tuesday, October 13, to remove a cancerous lung nodule or tumor from his right lung. The Korea Times reported the surgery confirmed adenocarcinoma and involved the removal of the lower lobe of the lung. DW English (Top Stories) noted the tumor was discovered during a routine X-ray. While the surgery was a major health event during his 17-month pontificate, the Pope appeared to speak with a firm, strong voice and looked physically well.\n\nAccording to DW English (Top Stories), the Pope's surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, described the pontiff's clinical condition as absolutely satisfactory, with a full recovery likely taking about ten days. DW News reported that there is no clinical reason to prevent the Pope's upcoming trip to South America. During his hospitalization, the Pope also held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to urge a ceasefire in the Ukrainian town of Oleshky.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW English (Top Stories)",
        "title": "Pope appears in public for first time since surgery",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/pope-appears-in-public-for-first-time-since-surgery",
        "published": "2026-10-18T14:14:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}