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Pope Leo XIV to Return to Vatican Window Sunday

By Drooid · Oct 17, 2026, 2:10 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV will be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday after lung cancer surgery.
Surgeons removed his right lower-lobe, confirming lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis.
He will lead the Angelus prayer from the Vatican window on Sunday, his first public appearance since surgery.
During recovery he called Russian President Vladimir Putin to urge a ceasefire in Oleshky, Ukraine.

History

Historical Context

In March 2022 Pope Francis addressed St. Peter’s Square, urging Vladimir Putin to stop the invasion UN said killed over 8,000 civilians and displaced five million people. The appeal followed a 16 March video meeting with Patriarch Kirill and a petition by 233 Russian clergy for a cease-fire. Pope Leo XIV’s call from Gemelli Hospital shows the Vatican’s diplomatic push for peace in Ukraine.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV will be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday after lung cancer surgery.
Surgeons removed his right lower-lobe, confirming lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis.
He will lead the Angelus prayer from the Vatican window on Sunday, his first public appearance since surgery.
During recovery he called Russian President Vladimir Putin to urge a ceasefire in Oleshky, Ukraine.

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