# Pope Leo returns to public duties after lung cancer surgery

> Pope Leo XIV led prayers at the Vatican on Sunday, days after undergoing surgery to remove part of his lung following a lung cancer diagnosis.
- Title: Pope Leo returns to public duties after lung cancer surgery
- Summary: Pope Leo XIV led prayers at the Vatican on Sunday, days after undergoing surgery to remove part of his lung following a lung cancer diagnosis. Pope Leo XIV…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, vatican, lung cancer, surgery, gemelli hospital, rome, news, Pope, Leo, returns, public, duties
- Source: ABC News — https://abcnews.com/International/pope-leo-leads-prayer-vatican-sunday-discharge-hospital/story?id=137358488
- Author: ABC News
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, vatican, lung cancer, surgery, gemelli hospital, rome, news
## Pope returns to window after surgery
Pope Leo XIV, seventy-one, appeared at his Vatican residence window on Sunday and led the Angelus prayer, drawing cheers from gathered crowds days after lung cancer surgery.

> I wish to thank all those who have prayed for me these past few days; I have truly felt your support.
## Timeline of the pope's illness and recovery
Doctors found a lung nodule a week before Sunday. Leo was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, underwent surgery to remove his right lung's lower lobe, and was discharged Saturday.
## Pope thanks medical staff and faithful
Leo expressed special gratitude to Gemelli's medical staff, saying the experience made him feel the closeness of those going through illness and medical conditions.

> This experience has made me feel, in a special way, the closeness to all those who are going through illness and a medical condition.
## Pope plans gradual return to duties
Leo said he will gradually resume his activities with God's help and prayers from the faithful, marking his recovery from the delicate phase of his illness.

> Now that I have overcome this delicate phase, as you know, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God's help and your prayers.
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV returned to public papal duties on Sunday, leading prayers at the Vatican days after surgery for lung cancer at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.