# Pope Leo returns to duties after lung surgery

> Pope Leo XIV says he will gradually resume duties after lung cancer surgery.
- Title: Pope Leo returns to duties after lung surgery · NBC Bay Area
- Summary: Pope Leo XIV says he will gradually resume duties after lung cancer surgery. Pope Leo XIV plans to gradually return to his duties following lung cancer…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, lung cancer, surgery, vatican, adenocarcinoma, pope, st peter's square, news, local, Leo, returns, duties
- Source: NBC Bay Area — https://nbcbayarea.com/news/national-international/pope-leo-tells-faithful-in-st-peters-square-he-will-gradually-resume-duties/4160783
- Published: 2026-10-18T11:01:13+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, lung cancer, surgery, vatican, adenocarcinoma, pope, st peter's square, news, local
## Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV thanked thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square for their prayers while hospitalized for lung surgery.
## Surgery confirmed
The 71-year-old pope had the lower lobe of his right lung removed after adenocarcinoma diagnosis.
## Pope's statement
Pope Leo said he will gradually resume duties with God's help and the faithful's prayers.

> Now that this delicate phase is behind me, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers
## Public reaction
Tourists and faithful expressed joy at the pope's quick recovery and return to duties.

> I am just happy that we are praying with him today instead of for him
## Next steps
Pope Leo plans a Nov 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru after recovery.
## Surgeon's confidence
Dr. Stefano Margaritora expects full recovery in 10 days with no clinical reasons for delay.

> there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV plans to gradually return to his duties following lung cancer surgery.