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Pope Leo XIV thanks faithful after cancer surgery, plans gradual return to duties

Confirmed1 source · Oct 18, 2026

The pontiff addressed thousands in St. Peter's Square on Sunday following his hospitalization.

Pope Leo XIV thanks faithful after cancer surgery, plans gradual return to duties
Image via NPR

What happened

Pope Leo XIV thanked thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square on Sunday for their prayers while he was hospitalized, and said he plans to gradually return to his usual duties.

Context

The pope's public appearance and statement signal his recovery is progressing enough to permit limited resumption of activities, though the gradual approach indicates caution about full restoration of the demanding duties required of the pontificate. The timing and nature of his return will likely be closely watched both within the Vatican and by the global Catholic community.