Surgeon Sees No Reason Pope, Now in Vatican, Can't Take Trip

Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday days after lung cancer surgery, as his surgeon said there are "no clinical reasons" that would prevent his planned trip to Latin America next month. "The Holy Father has put his heart and soul into his recovery," Dr. Stefano Margaritora told Vatican News, adding that he expects the pope to recover fully from surgery "in another 10 days or so." Leo, 71, is scheduled to make a potentially taxing Nov. 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina, the AP reports, which will include a dozen flights and two helicopter rides to high altitudes.

"As for a long trip involving air travel in about three weeks, I would say there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place," Margaritora said. Leo had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday in the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate. The surgery confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. He left the hospital well ahead of the weeklong hospital stay the Vatican had initially anticipated. "I am much better, thank you," the pope said when asked how he was as he was driven away. Leo greeted patients inside the hospital accompanied by his surgeon, before waving to well-wishers outside who cried out "Holiness" as he walked to a vehicle.

He paused when a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl presented him with a homemade papal doll that she said had helped her through successful cancer treatment. She had briefly met Leo at an audience in St. Peter's Square last December—an encounter she told reporters gave her the strength to overcome the illness. Since the surgery, Leo has shown signs of recovering, including holding a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He will take on his first official duty on Sunday, delivering the Angelus blessing to the faithful in St. Peter's Square.