Pope Leo returns to Vatican 4 days after lung cancer surgery
What's next: He told pilgrims he will gradually resume duties as the Vatican keeps plans for a November Latin America trip in place.
Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday, four days after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung, and on Sunday made his first public appearance since the operation. From the Apostolic Palace window overlooking St. Peter's Square, the 71-year-old pontiff thanked well-wishers and said he would gradually resume his duties. Doctors had cleared him to leave Rome's Gemelli hospital after blood tests and chest imaging, saying he could manage daily activities on his own. The surgery confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, during the first major health scare of his 17-month papacy.