Pope Leo XIV made a return to the Vatican on Sunday, appearing before thousands of Catholics in St. Peter’s Square. This took place just five days after he had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff conducted his traditional Angelus prayer from a window overlooking the square. This was his first official event after being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Saturday. During the procedure, doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
Leo expressed his thanks to the faithful for their prayers and support during his hospitalization. He noted that his health challenges had brought him closer to those who suffer from illness. He also thanked the medical professionals and hospital staff who attended to him after his operation.
Pope Leo XIV appears at the window of his study in the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the traditional noon blessing after praying the Angelus, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026.
The first American-born pope stated his intention to gradually resume his regular duties with divine assistance and continuous prayers from the faithful. During his Angelus address, Leo discussed one of Jesus’ teachings, urging Christians to act with sincerity and avoid hypocrisy.
His return was earlier than expected after doctors initially suggested a week-long hospital stay following Tuesday’s surgery. Upon leaving the hospital, the pope told a reporter he felt “much better.” Faithful visitors watched as the pope reappeared at the window for the traditional blessing.
Claire Holland, visiting from Jacksonville, Fla., expressed feeling “very blessed” to witness the pope’s appearance. “I think there have been millions and millions of prayers. And he is a strong determined man, and I am so happy that he is feeling well enough to do this,” Holland said.
The surgery was Pope Leo’s first major health issue during his 17-month leadership. The tumor was an adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer. Doctors are conducting more tests on the tumor and lymph nodes to see if additional treatment is necessary. Options may include chemotherapy or targeted therapy.
Pope Leo XIV appears at the window of his study in the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the traditional noon blessing after praying the Angelus, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026.
The pope plans to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from Nov. 6 to Nov. 17. This trip involves numerous flights and helicopter rides to high-altitude locations. His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, reported that the pope appears fit for the trip, expecting a full recovery “in another 10 days or so.” Margaritora confirmed there are no clinical reasons to cancel the upcoming travels.
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