'I am better, thank you': Pope Leo returns to the Vatican just four days after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV used his first phone call with Vladimir Putin since June 2025 to demand a humanitarian ceasefire in Russian-occupied Oleshky, where residents have reportedly been eating garden weeds to survive. The 71-year-old voiced 'deep concern' and urged Putin to let food and medicine in. He made the call days after surgery to remove part of his right lung. He is due to lead the Angelus prayer on Sunday.

Surgeons removed the right lung's lower lobe on Tuesday, confirming a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma.

Leaving Gemelli Hospital, he told well-wishers: 'I am better, thank you.'

Ukrainian cancer survivor Varvara, 13, travelled to Rome to return his hug.