Pope Leo XIV Returns to Vatican After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV, the first American‑born pontiff, appeared in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday to deliver the Angelus prayer, five days after surgeons removed a lung tumor. The 71‑year‑old pontiff thanked the faithful, doctors, nurses and hospital staff for their support, noting that his health ordeal has drawn him closer to those suffering illness. Doctors confirmed the tumor was adenocarcinoma and are conducting further tests on surrounding lymph nodes to decide if additional therapy is needed. Despite the surgery, the pope’s surgeon said he is fit for a planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in early November, with no clinical reasons to cancel the flights.