Pope Leo XIV said Sunday that he has “overcome” a delicate phase in his recovery from lung cancer surgery and will gradually return to his duties, days after surgeons removed part of his right lung. Now that I have overcome this delicate phase I will gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers.” The remarks came during the pontiff's Sunday appearance at the Vatican following his release from Rome's Gemelli Hospital. The 71-year-old pope was discharged Saturday after a four-day hospital stay.
Leo's surgery confirmed that he has lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican announced last week. The diagnosis came roughly 17 months into Leo's papacy.
He was elected in May 2025, becoming the first American pope. Newsweek reached out to the Vatican Sunday for further comment. The Vatican said during Leo's hospitalization that his recovery was proceeding normally.
Blood tests and a chest X-ray following the surgery indicated that the pope was recovering as expected. He began walking, resumed his regular diet and celebrated Mass while hospitalized. His return to the Apostolic Palace window on Sunday marked a significant public step in that recovery.
President Donald Trump had sent well-wishes to Leo following news of his cancer diagnosis. Trump said Leo’s prognosis appeared positive, adding: “We just want to wish him our love and our best wishes.” The warm words come after months of public friction between Trump and Leo, who have found themselves on opposing sides of issues including the Iran war and immigration. The president insisted in April that he was not “fighting” with the pope despite their differing views over the Iran conflict.
Trump also referenced the pope’s older brother, Louis Prevost, a registered Republican. "His brother and his wife—they are big Trump supporters. I can say that his brother loves him a lot, loves the pope a lot,” Trump said.
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