Pope Leo XIV was discharged from a Rome hospital Saturday after doctors confirmed his recovery was progressing well following surgery to remove a cancerous portion of his right lung.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday, Oct. 17, after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung, greeting cheering supporters outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital before departing for his papal residence.
The 71-year-old pontiff was released four days after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung following a diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. Doctors cleared him to leave after blood tests, a chest X-ray and a clinical examination confirmed that his recovery was progressing satisfactorily.
According to Vatican News, Leo returned to his apartments in Vatican City on Saturday afternoon and is scheduled to lead the traditional Angelus prayer Sunday from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square.
The Vatican confirmed that the pope would resume the weekly appearance, marking an important milestone in his recovery.
The decision to discharge Leo was announced earlier Saturday by the Holy See Press Office following an assessment by his personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and Professor Stefano Margaritora, director of thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital.
“Following the doctors’ assessment this morning, Pope Leo XIV will be discharged today from Gemelli Hospital, where he was hospitalized for surgery on his right lung,” the Vatican said in its official announcement.
“He will leave the hospital in the early afternoon and return to the Vatican. Tomorrow, he will lead the Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment.”
The pope left Gemelli Hospital at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time, walking without assistance and smiling as patients, hospital employees and supporters applauded his departure.
Before entering his vehicle, Leo stopped briefly to speak with a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl who had recovered from cancer. The girl presented him with a photograph commemorating their previous meeting in December, according to EFE’s account of his departure.
Leo then traveled approximately six miles to Vatican City, where he returned to his residence.
The pontiff underwent surgery Tuesday, Oct. 13, after routine medical examinations identified a small growth in his right lung.
Surgeons performed a video-assisted procedure to remove the affected lower lobe. Tissue examined during the operation confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, which had been suspected during earlier testing.
According to the Vatican, the operation itself lasted approximately 90 minutes, while Leo spent about three hours in the operating room. Doctors reported that the procedure was completed successfully and without complications.
Additional laboratory examinations are being conducted to determine whether cancer cells have spread beyond the removed tissue. The Vatican has not yet announced the results or whether further treatment will be necessary.
Despite his hospitalization, Leo continued performing several religious and diplomatic responsibilities.
On Friday, he celebrated Mass in a chapel on the hospital’s 10th floor with medical personnel, hospital employees and members of his staff. Photographs released by the Vatican showed the pope standing before a temporary altar wearing green vestments.
Leo thanked doctors, nurses and other hospital workers for their care and their service to patients.
The pontiff also spoke by telephone Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, requesting a humanitarian ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky to permit food deliveries, medical assistance and the safe evacuation of civilians.
His participation in those activities provided reassurance about his condition as doctors continued monitoring his recovery.
The pope’s discharge came earlier than the approximately one-week hospitalization initially anticipated by medical officials.
According to Reuters, his lead surgeon said the procedure was successful and that Leo was expected to complete his recovery within approximately 10 days.
Although the pope has returned to the Vatican, doctors will continue monitoring his condition while awaiting the results of the remaining cancer-related examinations.
The hospitalization has also raised questions about upcoming international travel, including a planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The Vatican has not announced whether those arrangements will change.
Sunday’s Angelus appearance will be Leo’s first from the Apostolic Palace since his operation and is expected to provide Catholics worldwide with another opportunity to see the pontiff following his hospitalization.
The Chicago-born pope, who became the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025, received messages of support throughout his hospital stay.
Supporters gathered outside Gemelli Hospital during his recovery, while patients and medical workers sent letters, drawings and expressions of encouragement.
His return Saturday concluded a five-day hospitalization and allowed him to resume his duties at the Vatican while doctors continue evaluating his longer-term treatment needs.
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