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Pope Leo XIV resumes public activities following lung cancer surgery
Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance on Sunday, October 18, 2026, greeting thousands of worshippers in St. Peter’s Square. This appearance follows his discharge from Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic on Saturday, October 17, after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.
The 71-year-old pontiff was treated for pulmonary adenocarcinoma. During his address, the Pope expressed gratitude for the prayers of the faithful and thanked the medical staff at Gemelli Polyclinic for their care. He noted that the health experience has increased his empathy for those suffering from illness and disability.
While the Pope intends to gradually resume his papal responsibilities, doctors have recommended additional rest. His upcoming schedule remains subject to his recovery, though the Vatican has not announced changes to his planned trip to South America in November.
Entities
Apostolic Palace · Gemelli Polyclinic · Luigi Carbone · Pope Leo XIV · St. Peter's Square · Stefano Margaritora · Vatican · Vatican Apostolic Palace · Vatican City
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Pope is 71 years old.
- [● 8 SOURCES] The surgery took place on Tuesday at the Gemelli Polyclinic. eldiario.com · jornalmz.com · fmmundo.com
- [● 8 SOURCES] The Pope underwent surgery for an adenocarcinoma in his right lung. eldiario.com · jornalmz.com · fmmundo.com
- [● 8 SOURCES] The Pope appeared at the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, October 18, 2026. eldiario.com · jornalmz.com · fmmundo.com
- [● 8 SOURCES] The Pope was discharged from the hospital on Saturday. eldiario.com · jornalmz.com · fmmundo.com
- [● 52 SOURCES] Pope Leo XIV will gradually resume his activities following his recovery. eldiario.com · jornalmz.com · fmmundo.com · wtxnews.com · www.eldiarioweb.com · +37 more
- [● 51 SOURCES] The Pope expressed gratitude to the medical staff at Gemelli Polyclinic. eldiario.com · jornalmz.com · fmmundo.com · wtxnews.com · www.arzobispadodelima.org · +36 more
- [● 46 SOURCES] The Pope stated that his health experience has increased his empathy for those suffering from illness and disability. eldiario.com · jornalmz.com · fmmundo.com · wtxnews.com · www.arzobispadodelima.org · +31 more
- [● 15 SOURCES] The Pope's surgeon stated there are no clinical reasons preventing his planned trip to Latin America. wtxnews.com · www.eldiarioweb.com · www.cronicaviva.com.pe · noticialibre.com · columnadigital.com · +6 more
- [DISPUTED] Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, October 17. www.cronicaviva.com.pe · wtxnews.com · www.arzobispadodelima.org · jornalmz.com · www.eldiarioweb.com · +39 more
- [● 16 SOURCES] The surgery was a 90-minute video-assisted procedure. www.cronicaviva.com.pe · ereport.sk · cubanosporelmundo.com · jornalmz.com · www.navarrainformacion.es · +9 more
- [● 55 SOURCES] Pope Leo XIV led the Angelus prayer from the Apostolic Palace on Sunday, October 18. wtxnews.com · www.arzobispadodelima.org · www.cronicaviva.com.pe · jornalmz.com · eldiario.com · +41 more