Pope Leo returns to Vatican four days after lung cancer surgery

Peter's Square on Sunday, plans South American trip next ​monthPope Leo left the hospital in Rome on Saturday afternoon and returned to the Vatican four days after ‌surgery for lung cancer, an illness that has prompted speculation about how it might affect his 17-month papacy.The 71-year-old walked unaided to his waiting car, waving to well-wishers outside Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

He stopped to speak to a 13-year-old girl named Varvara from Ukraine who has been in Italy for cancer treatment.​He was pictured smiling broadly and waving through an open window when his black SUV left the hospital.

He waved ​again to crowds as he was driven back into the Vatican but did not speak to anyone ⁠there before re-entering the world's smallest country.Read: Pope Leo back on his feet after shock cancer diagnosisHis doctors had said earlier on Saturday that he was well enough to return home ​after they carried out the latest blood tests and chest imaging, and that he was able to perform normal daily….

Peter's Square at noon (1000 GMT) on Sunday.He has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.

The diagnosis for a pope known to ​be relatively young and energetic, and who was elected only in May 2025, caused shock and raised questions about the future shape of ​his papacy as he deals with the illness.The pope's doctors have said his surgery was completed successfully, without complications.

They have not yet disclosed the ‌size of ⁠the tumour or whether the disease had spread to nearby lymph nodes, key factors in determining prognosis.The Vatican signaled on Friday that Leo, known for following a busy schedule, intended to keep up his commitments, as some cardinals began to publicly express concern about the pope's health.In a sign the pope was back to work, Leo held a phone call on Friday….

It is unusual for a cardinal to say openly that a pope might need to modify his routine.On Friday, the Vatican released the first images ⁠of the ​pope since his surgery, showing him celebrating Mass and standing unaided.Lebanese pilgrim Abdul ​Halim Fatha was in St.

Peter's Square as Leo arrived back at the Vatican and expressed sadness over the pope's cancer diagnosis.

"But I know God will be with ​him and protect him," he said.

Pope Leo returns to Vatican four days after lung cancer surgery Reuters | Updated 5 minutes ago | Pope to lead prayers with pilgrims in St.

Peter's Square on Sunday, plans South American trip next ​month.