Pope Leo XIV cleared to leave hospital after lung surgery

Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic, returning to the Vatican just days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous nodule from his right lung. The departure marks a major milestone in the recovery of the pontiff, who walked out of the medical facility unaided before being driven away in a black SUV. The Holy See announced the discharge on Saturday, noting that the pontiff made the journey back to the Vatican following a short hospitalization that began on Tuesday.

The 71-year-old pontiff was admitted to the hospital for the operation. According to his personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and the head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, morning blood tests and a chest X-ray cleared the way for his release. Dr. Margaritora accompanied the pope to the hospital door as he was formally discharged. The pope stopped briefly during his exit to speak with well-wishers and a Ukrainian family, accompanied by Father Taras Kotsur, head of the Ukrainian section of Vatican Radio, before accepting a homemade smiling Pope figure from a teenage girl.

Media additions

The Holy See Press Office stated that the procedure itself involved removing a nodule in the pope's right lung. Doctors reported that the surgical procedure lasting approximately ninety minutes and completing successfully without complications. Pathological examination of the tissue subsequently confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a form of non-small cell lung cancer.

During his hospital stay, the pope maintained an active schedule, resuming work activities from his room and even celebrating Mass in a makeshift chapel set up on the 10th floor. Fox News reported that the pontiff used his recovery period to place a telephone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky to allow humanitarian aid and safe civilian evacuations. Before departing the hospital, the pope also visited the children's oncology ward and spoke with young patients, including a girl named Eleonora, who had sent him letters of encouragement.

Well-wishers greeted the pontiff with cries of encouragement outside the medical facility, to which the pope replied, I am better, thank you when asked about his condition. DW.com and other outlets highlighted that doctors have not yet disclosed the exact tumor size or whether the cancer has spread, factors that remain crucial for determining long-term prognosis. Additionally, Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori noted in television remarks reported by Nbcdfw that the pace of the pope's recovery could dictate whether he proceeds with an upcoming apostolic visit to Peru.

What to Watch Next

• The pontiff is scheduled to lead the Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment, marking his first public appearance since the surgery.
• Further medical test results are anticipated to determine whether any adjuvant treatment will be necessary.
• Vatican officials are expected to provide additional updates regarding the viability of the pope's scheduled autumn international travel itinerary.

Further updates regarding international developments and papal health will be provided as the Holy See releases additional clinical bulletins.