APTOPIX Vatican Pope
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, a day after he returned from the hospital, where he had lung cancer removed on Tuesday.
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Pope Leo XIV has thanked the faithful in St. Peter’s Square for their prayers after his hospitalization for lung surgery. Speaking from a window overlooking the square, he said he would gradually resume his activities with God's help. The pontiff had a malignant tumor removed last week and expressed gratitude to the medical staff at Gemelli hospital. He said the experience made him feel closer to those facing illness. The 71-year-old pope is recovering well and plans to continue his duties, including a scheduled trip to South America in November. His surgeon sees no clinical reasons to cancel the trip.
