Four days after lung surgery, Pope Leo is back at the window — voice strong, crowds cheering

Four days after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung — where doctors had confirmed a common form of lung cancer — Pope Leo XIV appeared at the window above St Peter's Square on Sunday to lead the Angelus blessing, the same spot where a week earlier he had told the world about his illness. His voice sounded strong as he thanked the thousands below for their prayers, said this delicate phase was behind him, and promised to gradually return to his usual duties. The 71-year-old left Rome's Gemelli hospital sooner than expected, telling a reporter he was doing 'much better'. His surgeon, Dr Stefano Margaritora, says there is no medical reason to call off Leo's planned November trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, and expects him to be fully recovered from the surgery in about ten more days. Tests on the removed tissue are still under way to decide whether any further treatment is needed.