Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican following surgery for lung cancer, offering reassurances to supporters gathered in the streets about his health. His surgeon has confirmed there are "no clinical reasons" why his planned visit to South America next month should not go ahead.
"The Holy Father has put his heart and soul into his recovery," Dr Stefano Margaritora told Vatican News. He further stated that he anticipates the pope will fully recover from the operation "in another 10 days or so."
Upcoming South America tour
The 71-year-old pontiff is scheduled to embark on an extensive tour next month to Uruguay, Peru and Argentina, involving a dozen flights and two helicopter journeys to high-altitude locations. "As for a long trip involving air travel in about three weeks, I would say there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place," Margaritora said.
Leo underwent a procedure to remove the lower lobe of his right lung on Tuesday, marking the most significant health event of his 17-month papacy. The operation confirmed a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
Early hospital discharge
He left hospital on Saturday, significantly earlier than the week-long stay initially anticipated by the Vatican, and provided a positive health update to those gathered to show their support.
"I am much better, thank you," the pope expressed when asked about his health as he was whisked away in a black SUV. Leo greeted patients within the hospital alongside his surgeon before stepping outside to acknowledge well-wishers, who shouted "Holiness" as he made his way to a waiting vehicle.
He paused when a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl gifted him with a homemade papal doll that she said had aided her through successful cancer treatment. She had briefly encountered Leo at an audience in St. Peter's Square last December - an experience she told reporters "gave her the strength to overcome the illness."
Recovery signs and first engagement
Leo has demonstrated promising signs of recovery following the procedure, having conversed by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, held meetings with senior aides, and celebrated Mass in a makeshift hospital chapel.
He is scheduled to perform his first official engagement on Sunday, October 18, delivering the traditional Angelus blessing to worshippers in St. Peter's Square - exactly one week after the pontiff revealed to assembled crowds that the nodule had been detected and would necessitate surgical removal, in what was seen as a remarkably candid announcement from the Vatican.
Surgeon details on diagnosis
Margaritora, the chief thoracic surgeon at Rome's Gemelli hospital, confirmed the nodule was discovered accidentally during routine abdominal examinations, appearing as "a small spot" at the base of the lung, which extends down to the diaphragm. He pointed out that if the spot had been located higher, "it certainly would not have been seen."
The cancer was identified at an early stage, and the pope had "no respiratory symptoms, and felt perfectly well," Margaritora confirmed. He described Tuesday's procedure to remove the lobe as "routine" and "without complications," while admitting it "stirred deep feelings ... to operate on a pope, who for the first time - at least in modern history - is undergoing surgery for a malignant tumour."
The Vatican did not reveal that the tumour was malignant until after Tuesday's successful operation. It later confirmed that the pope had undergone a biopsy before his admission to Gemelli.
Margaritora stated that so far, the pope's recovery had required "very little assistance from us." His determination to recover quickly has been effective in every respect. "It was truly commendable," the surgeon said.
