Doctors Approve His Discharge
Pope Leo XIV is set to return to the Vatican after being cleared to leave Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, four days after surgery to remove a cancerous section of his right lung.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation on Tuesday, 13 October. Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung after tests identified a cancerous nodule.
The tissue examination confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. The operation was reported to have been completed without complications.
His medical team, led by Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, approved his discharge on Saturday after reviewing blood tests, a chest X-ray and his overall condition.
A Faster-Than-Expected Recovery
The Pope’s hospital stay had initially been expected to last about a week. His discharge came earlier than that estimate after his recovery progressed well.
During his stay, he was reported to have resumed daily activities independently. He also celebrated Mass in a chapel set up inside the hospital, according to Vatican updates.
The early discharge is encouraging, but it does not by itself establish whether further cancer treatment will be needed. Details about the full extent of the disease and any additional treatment have not been publicly confirmed.
Angelus Prayer Planned for Sunday
After returning to the Vatican on Saturday afternoon, Pope Leo is expected to lead the traditional Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment overlooking St Peter’s Square on Sunday.
The appearance would be his first public engagement since the surgery. His recovery will be closely watched by Catholics around the world, as well as by those following the health of the first American pope.
The Vatican has continued to provide updates through its press office and medical team, while details of his longer-term recovery remain subject to medical assessment.
November Visit Remains on the Calendar
Pope Leo is scheduled to undertake an 11-day apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November.
The trip remains a major item on his calendar, although his health and recovery may affect the plans. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has indicated that adjustments could be made depending on the Pope’s condition.
For now, his discharge marks a new stage in recovery. The focus will be on healing and on whether he can gradually resume the demanding schedule of papal duties.
