Pope to make first public appearance Sunday since cancer surgery

Recovery after lung surgery

Leo, 71, had an operation on Tuesday to remove part of his right lung. His doctors said Friday that he was able to carry out ordinary daily activities independently.

A blood test and chest X-ray supported the doctors’ assessment of steady improvement. The Vatican also released the first post-surgery images of Leo, showing him celebrating Mass and standing without assistance in the Rome hospital.

Doctors have said the operation was successful and had no complications. They have not disclosed the tumour’s size or whether cancer had reached nearby lymph nodes.

Sunday appearance planned

The Vatican says Leo will lead the traditional midday prayer on Sunday, marking his first public appearance since the operation. It has not said when he may leave hospital, though an earlier estimate put recovery at about a week.

Leo continued working from hospital on Friday, including a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Vatican said he urged a ceasefire to allow aid and food into Oleshky, a town under Russian occupation in Ukraine.

November journey remains planned

Preparations are continuing for Leo’s planned South American visit from November 6 to 17. The itinerary includes Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, and a Vatican spokesman said the work was moving forward.

Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori had suggested the visit might need to be delayed. The Vatican’s release of a list of journalists approved to cover the trip signalled that preparations were continuing.

Diagnosis raises concern

Leo’s cancer diagnosis surprised many, particularly because he is known as energetic and was elected in May 2025. The Vatican had earlier described the growth as small and well-contained.

Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, described as a close ally, told America magazine he had been shocked by the diagnosis. Cupich said the discovery that part of Leo’s lung had been removed and was malignant was more concerning, while expressing hope for the best.