# Pope Leo returns to duties after lung cancer surgery

> Pope Leo XIV appeared at his window Sunday to thank the faithful after surgery to remove a malignant tumor, saying he will gradually resume his work.
- Title: Pope Leo returns to duties after lung cancer surgery · NPR
- Summary: Pope Leo XIV appeared at his window Sunday to thank the faithful after surgery to remove a malignant tumor, saying he will gradually resume his work. Pope…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, vatican, lung cancer, adenocarcinoma, gemelli hospital, surgery, health, news, Pope, Leo, returns, duties
- Source: NPR — https://npr.org/2026/10/18/g-s1-148654/pope-leo-says-he-will-gradually-resume-duties-after-cancer-surgery
- Published: 2026-10-18T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, vatican, lung cancer, adenocarcinoma, gemelli hospital, surgery, health, news
## Pope appears after cancer surgery
Pope Leo the fourteenth showed himself at his window in the Apostolic Palace on Sunday, October eighteenth, thanking thousands in St. Peter's Square for their prayers during his hospitalization.
## Tumor removed from right lung
The seventy one year old pontiff had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday. Surgery confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
## Pope pledges gradual return
Four days after surgery, Pope Leo told the crowd his voice sounded strong.He said, "Now that this delicate phase is behind me, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God's help and your prayers."

> Now that this delicate phase is behind me, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God's help and your prayers.
## Pope expresses gratitude
Pope Leo said the experience had made him feel close to those facing illness. He expressed particular gratitude to the doctors, nurses and all staff at Gemelli hospital where he was treated.
## Surgeon clears ambitious trip
Pope Leo's next major engagement is a November sixth to seventeenth trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, including a dozen flights and two helicopter rides.
## Recovery timeline and next steps
Surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora told Vatican News the pope is expected to recover fully from surgery in another ten days or so. Histological testing is underway to determine whether additional treatment is needed.
## Treatment options being evaluated
Results of tumor testing, along with details of its molecular and genetic makeup, will help doctors determine whether Pope Leo needs additional treatment.Options include chemotherapy, a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, or targeted oral therapy.
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV thanked crowds in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, one day after returning from hospital where doctors removed his lower right lung lobe to treat adenocarcinoma.