Pope Leo Cleared to Leave Hospital Four Days After Lung Cancer Surgery

Written By James Taylor
Pope Leo Cleared for Discharge as Questions Remain Over Further Treatment

Pope Leo Set for Sunday Return After Doctors Approve Hospital Discharge

Pope Leo to Return to Vatican After Operation Removes Part of Right Lung

Doctors have approved the 71-year-old pontiff’s discharge after checks at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, with a Sunday Angelus appearance planned.

Pope Leo XIV has been cleared to leave hospital four days after surgery for lung cancer, with the Vatican announcing his planned return on Saturday 17 October 2026.

His doctors approved the discharge after reviewing blood tests, a chest X-ray and his clinical condition. The Holy See Press Office said he would leave Rome’s Gemelli Hospital in the early afternoon and lead the Angelus on Sunday from the window of the papal apartment.

The announcement brings forward his departure from the hospital, where officials had initially expected him to remain for about a week. It also sets a date for his return to a public appearance after the operation.

What Doctors Removed During the Operation

Leo underwent surgery on Tuesday 13 October after examinations identified a suspicious growth. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung using a video-assisted technique.

His personal physician, Dr Luigi Carbone, and surgeon Professor Stefano Margaritora said examination of tissue during the procedure confirmed lung adenocarcinoma. They described the operation as successful and said there had been no complications.

The procedure itself lasted about 90 minutes, although the Pope spent approximately three hours in the operating room. He awoke normally and returned to his room after observation.

The diagnosis establishes something that remained uncertain when Leo first announced his planned lung surgery: the growth was cancerous.

However, the information released so far does not establish a complete prognosis. The tumour’s size and whether nearby lymph nodes are affected have not been publicly disclosed. Further examination of the removed tissue is important to understanding whether additional treatment will be needed.

Recovery Included Physiotherapy and Hospital Mass

The medical updates during the week described a gradual return to activity.

On Thursday, his doctors said routine checks had produced normal results and chest imaging showed good recovery of the operated lung. Leo was carrying out daily activities independently, with physiotherapy forming part of his postoperative care.

Friday’s assessment recorded further improvement following another round of blood tests and chest imaging. Respiratory physiotherapy continued.

The Pope also celebrated Mass in a room arranged for worship on the hospital’s tenth floor. Medical and nursing staff attended alongside members of the Vatican’s gendarmerie. He distributed Communion and thanked those caring for patients, including the staff treating him.

Images released from that Mass provided a view of Leo standing at the altar during his recovery. They accompanied the clinical bulletins, rather than replacing them as evidence of his condition.

Vatican Work Continued From Gemelli

Hospitalisation did not bring all papal activity to a halt.

On Friday, Leo spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Holy See said he raised the humanitarian situation in Oleshky, in Ukraine’s Kherson region, and urged a ceasefire that would allow aid to reach civilians and people to leave safely.

He also met senior Church figures at Gemelli, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Cardinal Baldo Reina.

These activities show that Leo continued selected responsibilities while receiving care. They do not establish how quickly he can resume a full programme of audiences, ceremonies and travel.

The Next Test Is His Public Schedule

The Vatican had cancelled public audiences through 20 October before the discharge announcement. Sunday’s Angelus now provides a specific public engagement during that period, rather than confirmation that every cancelled event has been restored.

Beyond Rome, preparations have continued for his visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November. That journey would begin about three weeks after his departure from hospital.

Leaving Gemelli is an encouraging step in his postoperative recovery. The information still awaited concerns the cancer itself and any further treatment. The next scheduled public moment is the Angelus on Sunday 18 October, when Leo is due to address the faithful from the Vatican.

Sources

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