Vatican

Pope Leo returns to Vatican four days after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo had an operation on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, and will hold his first public engagement since surgery on Sunday.

Pope Leo leaves Gemelli Hospital following his lung surgery and cancer diagnosis, in Rome, Italy, October 17, 2026.
 Pope Leo XIV speaks as he attends a meeting with the authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps in Luanda, Angola, April 18, 2026.

Pope Leo had lobe of lung removed as doctors found cancer, Vatican says

Pope Leo celebrates Mass marking the start of the academic year at the Pontifical Universities in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, October 8, 2026.

Pope Leo announces upcoming surgery for small growth on lung

VATICAN AMBASSADOR to Israel Archbishop Giorgio Lingua (center) and the delegation, together with Isaac Molcho and Yasha Grobman of the Israel Museum.

Vatican ambassador visits Israel Museum’s archaeology wing


Pope Francis remains stable, has not had new breathing crisis, Vatican says

The pope has not had any new breathing crises, the Vatican announced in a handout.

 Pope Francis. Vatican announces new guidelines allowing gay men to become priests in Italy under vow of celibacy.

Pope Francis had 'isolated' breathing crisis in hospital, Vatican says

Francis, 88, has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for two weeks, after being admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that triggered other complications.

 Pope Francis debuts on TikTok to promote his autobiography 'Spera'.

Pope Francis clashed with cardinals over Vatican finances before hospitalization

Just before his hospitalization, the pope formed a new Vatican financial group.

 Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience, in Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, February 12, 2025.

Pope Francis remains critical and has 'slight' kidney issue, Vatican says

The Vatican said the 88-year-old Francis, who has double pneumonia, had suffered a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis."

Pope Francis holds an audience with donors of the St. Peter's Square Christmas tree and Nativity scene, at the Vatican

Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says

Pope Francis hospitalized with double pneumonia, Vatican says treatment is challenging.

 Pope Francis debuts on TikTok to promote his autobiography 'Spera'.

Pope Francis, in hospital, has 'slight fever' but is stable, Vatican says

Despite his periodic health issues and reduced mobility, Francis has kept up a busy schedule, including foreign travel.

 Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience, in Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, February 12, 2025.

'It was all eternally heavenly': Seeing 'The Szyk Haggadah' at the Vatican Library

Eight years before, the limited premier edition of The Szyk Haggadah I created (2006-08) had been donated to the Vatican Library. I now had an opportunity to see it housed at the Vatican.

 ‘The Szyk Haggadah’ on display at The Vatican Library.

Biden awards Pope Francis medal of freedom, highest US civilian honor

This is the first time during his administration that Biden gave the award with distinction, the White House said.

 Pope Francis and U.S. President Joe Biden meet as they attend the G7 summit, in Savelletri, Italy June 14, 2024.

Historic first: Psychologist nun Simona Brambilla appointed as Vatican's first female prefect

Women are still excluded from ordination as priests, and discussions about female ordination continue to create divisions within the Church.

 Historic first: Psychologist nun Simona Brambilla appointed as Vatican's first female prefect. Illustration.

Jewish leaders to Pope: Build bridges, don’t fuel antisemitism

Major Jewish organization leaders called on the Pope to refrain from 'incendiary comments' about the Israel-Hamas War.

Members of the Palestinian embassy to the Holy See give a keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian scarf, to Pope Francis during a Christmas ceremony at St Peter's Square at the Vatican, Dec. 7, 2024.