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Pope Leo XIV returns to Vatican after lung cancer surgery
Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican following his discharge from Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a 90-minute video-assisted surgery on Tuesday, October 13, to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after a tumor was incidentally discovered during abdominal examinations.
Medical evaluations, including blood tests and chest X-rays, confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. His personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and thoracic surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, reported a positive post-operative course, noting the Pope has been able to perform normal daily activities independently.
On Sunday, October 18, the Pope made his first public appearance since the surgery by delivering the traditional Angelus blessing from the window of the Apostolic Palace. Addressing a crowd of approximately 15,000 people in St. Peter’s Square, he expressed gratitude for global prayers and pledged to gradually resume his official duties.
Dr. Margaritora stated there are no clinical reasons to prevent the Pope’s scheduled apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, which is set to take place from November 6 to 17, 2026.
Entities
Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic · Agostino Gemelli University Hospital · Dr. Luigi Carbone · Dr. Stefano Margaritora · Gemelli Hospital · Gemelli Hospital · Gemelli Polyclinic · Gemelli Polyclinic · Gemelli University Hospital · Kremlin · Luigi Carbone · Oleshky
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 10 SOURCES] Pope Leo XIV is recovering at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. www.durangoherald.com
- [● 10 SOURCES] Post-operative tests confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. montecristi24horas.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] Pope Leo XIV spoke with Vladimir Putin via telephone. montecristi24horas.com
- [● 9 SOURCES] Pope Leo XIV has been discharged from Gemelli Hospital in Rome. kecskemet365.hu · montecristi24horas.com
- [● 9 SOURCES] Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. www.durangoherald.com · montecristi24horas.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] An agreement was reached to coordinate efforts for the safety of the local population and delivery of supplies. montecristi24horas.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] President Vladimir Putin expressed support for Vatican efforts to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies to the local population. montecristi24horas.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Pope Leo XIV called for a ceasefire in Oleshky, Kherson region, to allow for humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation. montecristi24horas.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Pope was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma following surgery.
- [● 8 SOURCES] Surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung. montecristi24horas.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass from a makeshift altar in his hospital room. www.durangoherald.com · montecristi24horas.com
- [● 27 SOURCES] Pope Leo XIV is recovering at the Gemelli Policlinico following lung cancer surgery. rtsh.al · elnacional.com.py · visionrdn.com · sondakikakibris.com · www.terangatimesn.com