Pope Leo returns to Vatican, four days after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV left Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Saturday and returned to the Vatican, four days after surgery for lung cancer. The operation on Tuesday removed the lower lobe of his right lung and confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. Leo, 71, responded to well-wishers outside the hospital by saying, “I am much better, thank you.” Vatican coverage says the pope and his surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, met attendees assembled at Gemelli, including a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl who presented a homemade papal doll that she said helped her after her own successful cancer treatment. On Sunday, Leo is scheduled to resume responsibilities with the Angelus blessing, while his next major trip runs Nov. 6 to 17 to Latin America, including dozen flights and two helicopter trips. Doctors are still awaiting molecular and genetic test results.