Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican 4 days after lung surgery
What's next: The 71-year-old pontiff said he will gradually resume duties after appearing at the Angelus in St. Peter's Square.
Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday, four days after surgery removed the lower lobe of his right lung following a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. Doctors at Rome's Gemelli hospital said he was well enough to leave after blood tests and chest imaging, and the operation was completed without complications. On Sunday, Leo made his first public appearance since the procedure, reciting the Angelus from the Apostolic Palace and thanking worshippers for their prayers. The 71-year-old pope said he would gradually return to his normal commitments. His illness had stirred questions about the pace of his 17-month pontificate, though Vatican preparations for a November trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru are still underway.