Pope Leo returns to Vatican four days after cancer surgery

Pope Leo left hospital in Rome on Saturday afternoon and returned to the Vatican four days ‌after surgery for lung cancer, an illness that has prompted speculation about how his 17-month papacy might change. The pope walked unaided to his waiting car, waving to well-wishers outside Rome's Gemelli Hospital. He stopped to speak to a 13-year-old girl named Varvara from Ukraine who has been in Italy for cancer treatment.
Leo, 71, was pictured smiling broadly ​and waving through an open window when his black SUV left the hospital grounds. He appeared in good spirits as he left the ​hospital in video released by the Vatican. He shook hands with a group of Franciscan friars, one of ⁠whom said: "This is the second time (we have met). Let's hope there will be a third and fourth." The pope laughed and replied: "Many times, ​but not for these reasons."
Leo, who had an operation on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, will hold his first public engagement since surgery when he will lead weekly prayers with pilgrims from his apartment overlooking ​St. Peter's Square at noon (1000 GMT) on Sunday. He has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. The diagnosis for a ​pope known to be relatively young and energetic and who was elected only in May 2025 caused shock and raised questions about the future shape of his ‌papacy.