Pope Leo XIV discharged from hospital days after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday after leaving Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, marking a swift recovery following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung due to lung cancer. The pontiff, who became the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church following his election in May 2025, walked unaided to a waiting vehicle and smiled at well-wishers and journalists gathered outside the hospital gates.

According to Npr reporting, the discharge occurred on the fifth day of his hospital stay, which was sooner than initially anticipated by the Holy See Press Office when the operation was first announced. Joint statements issued by the Pope's personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and Professor Stefano Margaritora, chief of thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital, confirmed that morning blood work and chest imaging demonstrated that the Holy Father's clinical condition met all criteria for a safe release.

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Pope Leo XIV discharged from hospital early following lung cancer surgery - OSV News

Before his departure, the 71-year-old pontiff celebrated Mass in a makeshift chapel established on the tenth floor of the hospital facility. As detailed by The Independent, he presided over the liturgy independently, delivering a homily and distributing Holy Communion to attending medical staff, nurses, and members of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps. In his remarks, he expressed gratitude to healthcare personnel for their daily dedication to the sick and vulnerable.

The diagnosis itself originated from a routine examination where doctors identified a localized nodule in the lung. Pre-operative evaluations suggested pulmonary adenocarcinoma, which was subsequently confirmed during the video-assisted surgical procedure. Oncological specialists note that adenocarcinoma represents a common form of non-small cell lung cancer, though Vatican officials have not yet disclosed specific tumor dimensions or whether the disease extended to nearby lymph nodes—critical markers for determining long-term prognosis.

Despite these undisclosed details, the medical team remains optimistic. In interviews reported by Radioroyal, Professor Margaritora confirmed that there are no clinical barriers preventing the pontiff from undertaking a major international voyage next month. The planned itinerary includes stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, regions where Leo spent considerable time during his ecclesiastical career.

The health scare has nevertheless generated intense discussion among senior church officials regarding the demands of the papacy. As noted by The Straits Times, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin acknowledged that while photographic updates displayed encouraging signs of recovery, adjustments to the papal timetable may be necessary depending on ongoing health evaluations. Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich voiced surprise regarding the severity of the procedure compared to the initial descriptions of a small growth, reflecting broader anxieties within the hierarchy.

Amid these administrative deliberations, the pontiff maintained active diplomatic engagement from his hospital room. According to Voice of Nigeria, Leo placed a telephone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin to urge a humanitarian ceasefire in the occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky, aiming to facilitate the safe delivery of food and medical supplies.

On Sunday, the leader of the global Catholic community appeared at the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter's Square to lead the traditional Angelus prayer. As covered by the Malay Mail, thousands of pilgrims greeted him with enthusiastic chants of approval. Speaking clearly and appearing physically robust, Leo offered words of gratitude to global well-wishers.

"Now that this delicate phase has passed … I will now gradually resume my activities, always with the help of God and your prayers."

Pope Leo XIV, Pontiff, via Radioroyal

Public engagements remain officially cleared through Tuesday, with ongoing medical supervision and respiratory physiotherapy scheduled as he transitions back to his residential quarters at the Vatican. Further updates regarding his recovery pace and tissue test results are anticipated from the Holy See Press Office in the coming days. For ongoing developments, consult World coverage or explore related updates on Pope Leo XIV cleared to leave hospital after lung surgery and Pope Leo XIV seen for first time since lung cancer surgery amid major recovery milestone.