Pope Leo returns to Vatican 5 days after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV returned to public view in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, five days after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung to treat adenocarcinoma. Speaking from the Apostolic Palace a day after leaving Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the 71-year-old thanked pilgrims for their prayers and said he would slowly resume his normal activities. Doctors discharged him after blood tests and chest imaging showed steady improvement, and said he could handle normal daily tasks independently. The surgery, the first major health crisis of his 17-month papacy, has raised questions about whether he can keep a demanding November trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.