Pope Leo recovering from surgery, will deliver Sunday prayer

Pope Leo XIV recovering from lung surgery, to deliver Sunday prayer

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Pope Leo XIV is recovering from lung surgery, according to the Vatican. The 71-year-old Catholic leader underwent an operation to remove part of his right lung on October 13, after being diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Doctors are awaiting the results of Leo's biopsy, which will tell them about the make-up of the tumor and give insight into whether his cancer has spread, allowing them to determine whether he may need to undergo further treatment, such as radiation or chemotherapy.

The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV is swiftly recovering from lung surgery and will make his first public appearance on Sunday, when he will deliver the traditional noontime Angelus Prayer. Vatican representatives did not specify whether he would deliver the prayer at St. Peter's Square or from the hospital.

Pope Leo XIV is making steady progress at the hospital after undergoing lung surgery earlier this week, according to his doctors, as the Vatican says he plans to appear before the public on Sunday. The 71-year-old Catholic leader, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer, underwent an operation to remove part of his right lung on Tuesday.

The Vatican said Leo will deliver a traditional noontime prayer on Sunday, marking his first public appearance since the operation. Preparations are also going ahead for his planned trip to South America in November, The Holy See added. Leo’s cancer diagnosis for a pope known to be energetic and who was elected only in May 2025 caused shock and raised questions about the future shape of his papacy.