Pope Leo XIV made his return to the Vatican on Saturday following a successful surgery to treat lung cancer. His doctor, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, expressed confidence in the pope’s recovery, stating that there are no medical obstacles preventing his upcoming journey to Latin America in November.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung earlier in the week after being diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. Despite the significant procedure, Pope Leo left the hospital sooner than expected and is expected to fully recuperate within the next 10 days.
Scheduled for a visit to Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina from November 6 to 17, which includes multiple flights and high-altitude helicopter rides, the pope remains determined to fulfill his commitments. Dr. Margaritora affirmed that there are no health concerns hindering the trip.
During his hospital stay, Pope Leo interacted with patients, received gifts, and even had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is now resuming his official duties, with plans to deliver the Angelus blessing to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
Further examinations are being conducted to analyze the tumor and lymph nodes, providing crucial information for potential follow-up treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted oral therapy. Dr. Margaritora praised the pope’s resilience and rapid recovery, emphasizing his admirable determination throughout the process.
