Pope to Return to Vatican After Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV leaves Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Saturday afternoon after doctors deemed him fit for discharge following lung cancer surgery. The 71-year-old pontiff spent four days recovering at the medical facility after surgeons removed part of his right lung. He will return to the Vatican to recite Sunday's traditional Angelus prayer.

Why Was Pope Leo in the Hospital?

Doctors admitted Pope Leo XIV to Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday to remove a cancerous nodule from his right lung. The surgical team successfully extracted part of his lung to clear the tumor. Medical experts evaluated his clinical condition, chest X-rays, and blood tests on Saturday morning before approving his release.

He spent his recovery on the tenth floor of the hospital, where he celebrated mass in his room. The pontiff will deliver the Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment overlooking St. Peter's Square on Sunday. Former popes John Paul II and Francis previously delivered prayers from hospital windows during past health stays.

Catholics Prayed for Pope's Health

Well-wishers gathered outside the medical facility to express support for the recovering church leader.

The medical update brought relief to the global Catholic community following days of concern. News of the cancer surgery had rattled church members and Vatican officials worldwide. Doctors confirmed his post-surgery progress remains steady as they process additional medical tests.

Will Pope Leo Resuming His Official Duties?

Pope Leo has already resumed select duties, including a telephone conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin to urge a ceasefire in Oleshky. Vatican officials previously canceled his general audiences through October 20 to allow adequate recovery time. He originally discovered the nodule during a routine medical examination before announcing the surgery to the public.

An upcoming papal trip to South America scheduled for November 6 through November 17 remains uncertain. The planned itinerary includes visits to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, where Leo previously served as a missionary. Vatican observers note that the pontiff wants to make the trip, but he will follow his doctors' advice.