Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, October 17, four days after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung following a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.
The 71-year-old pontiff was cleared to leave the hospital after doctors reviewed his blood tests, chest X-ray and overall clinical condition. The Vatican said the results showed that he was fit to continue his recovery outside the hospital.
Pope Returns to the Vatican
Pope Leo left Gemelli Hospital on Saturday afternoon and returned to the Vatican. He walked unaided as he left the facility and acknowledged supporters and well-wishers who had gathered outside.
Before departing, the Pope celebrated Mass in a room on the hospital's 10th floor. He then traveled back to the Vatican, where he will continue his recovery.
His discharge came earlier than the initial expectation that he could remain in hospital for about a week following the operation.
Surgery Confirmed Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Pope Leo was admitted to Gemelli on Tuesday, October 13, for surgery after doctors detected a suspicious nodule in his right lung.
During the operation, surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. Tests on the removed tissue confirmed that the growth was lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. The Vatican said the surgery was successful and that there were no complications.
Doctors have not yet disclosed the full extent of the disease or whether additional treatment will be necessary. Further testing is expected to help determine whether the cancer had spread and whether the Pope requires further medical treatment.
Pope Leo to Lead Angelus Prayer
Despite his recent surgery, Pope Leo is expected to resume a limited public schedule almost immediately.
The Vatican confirmed that he will lead the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday, October 18, from the window of the papal apartment overlooking St Peter’s Square.
The planned appearance will give Catholics and other supporters an opportunity to see the Pope following his hospitalization and surgery.
The Vatican had previously canceled his public audiences and engagements through October 20 to allow him time to recover.
Vatican Closely Monitoring His Recovery
The Vatican has provided regular updates throughout the Pope's hospitalization, reporting that his recovery progressed normally after the operation.
Following surgery, Leo began respiratory therapy, walked around his hospital room and resumed eating. He also celebrated Mass during his stay at Gemelli.
His early discharge is another indication that his immediate postoperative recovery has progressed sufficiently for doctors to allow him to return to the Vatican, although questions remain about his longer-term treatment and recovery.
For now, Pope Leo XIV will continue recovering while gradually returning to his responsibilities as head of the Catholic Church.
