Pope Leo returns to Vatican after lung cancer surgery

Doctors say they are seeing ‘continued improvement’ after the US-born pope had a lump removed from his lung on Tuesday.Published On 17 Oct 202617 Oct 2026Pope Leo has returned to the Vatican, four days after receiving surgery for lung cancer in Rome.The pope said he was feeling “much better” when asked about his health as he was driven away from the Gemelli University Hospital against cries of “holiness” from onlookers on Saturday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Pope Leo recovering well after cancer surgery, Vatican sayslist 2 of 3Pope Leo resumes work in hospital while recovering from surgerylist 3 of 3Pope Leo to make public appearance Sunday, first since cancer surgeryend of listLeo had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday. The surgery confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, which is the most common type of lung cancer.He is set to resume some duties on Sunday, when he greets the faithful with the Catholic Church’s traditional Angelus blessing.Doctors have said tests confirmed his “continued improvement”.Since having surgery, the pope has had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, held meetings with senior aides and celebrated mass in a makeshi...