Pope Leo XIV Leaves Gemelli Hospital After Right Lung Surgery, Returns to Vatican

Pope Leo XIV discharged — Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Saturday, days after undergoing surgery on his right lung, the Holy See Press Office said. The 71-year-old pontiff, who leads the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, walked out of the Rome hospital unaided and was driven back to the Vatican.

Medical team clears discharge after morning tests

Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora deemed the pope fit for discharge following blood tests and a chest X-ray on Saturday morning, according to the Holy See Press Office. The medical team said the tests confirmed continued improvement.

Margaritora, the surgeon, said full recovery could take about 10 days. He also said there are no clinical reasons that would prevent the pope from making his planned trip to Latin America.

Diagnosis and surgery

The surgery followed the discovery of a nodule in the pope’s right lung during a routine check. Examination of the removed nodule led to a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, a form of non-small cell lung cancer. That cancer type accounts for roughly 80% of lung cancer cases and affects both smokers and nonsmokers. Leo is not known to have ever smoked.

The Vatican has not said whether the cancer may have spread, and doctors have not indicated that further treatment is needed. The surgery was the first health issue of his papacy.

Brief greeting outside hospital

Before leaving, the pope spoke briefly with well-wishers gathered outside Gemelli. He accepted a gift of a homemade smiling pope figure. He had entered the hospital on Tuesday, waving to crowds.

During the procedure, medical staff recited the rosary.

Hospital Mass and first images

The Vatican released the first post-surgery images on Friday. They showed the pope celebrating Mass in a makeshift chapel inside the hospital, standing at an altar in green vestments. Spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope presided alone over the liturgy, distributed Communion to medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes, and delivered a homily.

The pope resumed working from the hospital on Thursday, a day before the images were made public and doctors reported continued improvement.

Angelus prayer expected Sunday

Pope Leo is expected to recite the Angelus prayer on Sunday from the window of the papal apartment at St. Peter’s Basilica. The exact time has not been announced.

South America trip still on schedule

A two-week trip to South America is scheduled to begin on Nov. 11. While Margaritora said no clinical reasons stand in the way, the Vatican has not confirmed that the journey will proceed as planned.

Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori said in a television interview on Wednesday that the pace of the pope’s recovery could determine whether he visits Peru, which is part of the itinerary. She also said millions in Peru are praying for his speedy recovery.

What remains unclear

Beyond the 10-day recovery estimate, the pope’s prognosis has not been detailed. It is also not known whether further treatment will be required or whether the cancer has spread. The Vatican has not provided a specific date or time for the Angelus prayer, and the status of the South America trip, including the Peru leg, remains unconfirmed.