Pope Leo XIV was discharged on Saturday after undergoing surgery to remove a malignant tumour from the lower lobe of his right lung. The Chicago-born pope, who was elected in May 2025, had been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. The surgery ended a period of uncertainty for the Vatican and the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.
The pontiff's surgeon reported that he is in an absolutely satisfactory clinical condition, estimating that he will be fully recovered in another ten days. Speaking with a strong voice, Pope Leo stated that the delicate phase of his treatment is behind him and that he will gradually resume his duties and normal schedule with the help of God and prayers.
On Sunday, the pope made his first public appearance since the surgery, greeting thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square and leading the Angelus from the Apostolic Palace. He thanked the crowds and people across the world for their prayers and expressed that the experience has made him feel a special closeness to all those battling illness and infirmity.