Pope Leo heads back to the Vatican as well-wishers cheer, in photos
Pope Leo XIV leaves Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, after Tuesday's surgery to remove a lung cancer.
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The surgeon who removed Pope Leo XIV's cancerous tumor says there are “no clinical reasons” to prevent the pontiff from traveling to Latin America next month. Vatican media reported this after the pope returned to the Vatican from the hospital. Dr. Stefano Margaritora told Vatican News that the pope is expected to recover fully from surgery in about 10 days. Leo had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday. The surgery confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. He left the hospital on Saturday, well ahead of the week-long hospital stay the Vatican had initially anticipated.
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.
