VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday following a successful lung cancer surgery, with his medical team clearing him to proceed with an upcoming apostolic journey to South America.
Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the pontiff’s surgeon, told Vatican News that “The Holy Father has put his heart and soul into his recovery.”
Margaritora added that he anticipates a full recovery “in another 10 days or so” and confirmed, “As for a long trip involving air travel in about three weeks, I would say there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place.”
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a procedure on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, marking the first major health crisis of his 17-month pontificate. Post-surgery pathology confirmed an adenocarcinoma diagnosis, the most prevalent form of lung cancer. Despite initial projections by the Vatican anticipating a week-long recovery period, the pope was discharged on Saturday.
Before departing, Pope Leo visited with hospital patients alongside Dr. Margaritora and waved to crowds gathered outside. In a poignant moment, he paused to accept a homemade papal doll from a 13-year-old Ukrainian patient, who shared that a previous brief meeting with the pontiff last December “gave her the strength to overcome the illness.”
As he was driven away in a black SUV, the pope briefly spoke with reporters, stating, “I am much better, thank you.”
Since his operation, the pope has maintained an active schedule, participating in a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, holding administrative meetings with senior aides, and celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel.
The pontiff is set to resume public duties on Sunday by delivering the traditional Angelus blessing to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. This appearance follows exactly one week after he candidly announced to the public that a pulmonary nodule had been detected.
Looking ahead, Pope Leo is slated to embark on an extensive November 6-17 tour encompassing Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina, an itinerary that features multiple flights and high-altitude helicopter transit.