Pope Leo XIV appears in public after lung cancer surgery, pledges gradual return

Pope Leo XIV made his first major public appearance on Sunday since undergoing lung cancer surgery, addressing some 15,000 faithful in St. Peter's Square and pledging to gradually resume his duties. The 71-year-old pontiff, who had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday, spoke in a firm voice from the window of the Apostolic Palace, thanking well-wishers for their prayers. Source: Al Jazeera, NPR, CNN

Health and recovery

The surgery confirmed adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. Source: Al Jazeera, NPR Test results to determine whether the cancer has spread are still pending. Source: Al Jazeera, The Guardian His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, described the pope as an "ideal patient" and said he is in "absolutely satisfactory clinical condition," expecting full recovery in about ten days. Source: DW News, Euronews

Upcoming travel

There had been doubts about a planned papal voyage to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6–17. The Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said the pope may need to adjust his schedule "according to the condition of his health." Source: Al Jazeera However, Dr. Margaritora stated there are "no clinical reasons why the trip should not go ahead." Source: Al Jazeera, CNN, The Guardian The itinerary includes a stop in Cusco, Peru, at an altitude of about 3,350 meters. Source: CNN

Diplomatic outreach

While hospitalized, the pope spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging a humanitarian ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky to allow aid deliveries and civilian evacuations. Source: LA Times, BBC He also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, reiterating his call for cooperation. Source: LA Times