Pope Leo returns to Vatican, starts gradual comeback after surgery
What's next: The Vatican has canceled public events until at least Oct. 21, while a Nov. 6-17 South America trip remains on the calendar.
Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Oct. 17, four days after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, and on Sunday began what he called a gradual return to his duties. The 71-year-old pontiff, diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, appeared unaided at the window of the Apostolic Palace for the Angelus prayer and thanked Catholics worldwide for their prayers. Doctors at Rome's Gemelli hospital said blood tests and chest imaging showed he was well enough to go home and carry out normal daily activities independently. The Vatican has suspended his other public events until at least Oct. 21, though a Nov. 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru is still being prepared.