By Lizzy Chirkpi
Pope Leo XIV was discharged from hospital in Rome on Saturday, October 17, four days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his right lung, the Vatican has announced.
The 71-year-old pontiff was released from Agostino Gemelli Hospital after doctors assessed his condition and concluded that his recovery was progressing well enough for him to return to the Vatican.
In a statement on Saturday, the Vatican Press Office said: “Following the doctors’ assessment this morning, Pope Leo XIV will be discharged today from Gemelli Hospital, where he was hospitalised for surgery on his right lung.”
The statement added: “He will leave the hospital in the early afternoon and return to the Vatican. Tomorrow, he will lead the Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment.”
The decision followed blood tests and a chest X-ray, which reportedly showed satisfactory results and supported his discharge.
According to the Vatican, Pope Leo underwent surgery on Tuesday, October 13, after doctors identified a cancerous growth in his right lung. The procedure involved removing the lower lobe of the lung following a diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
An earlier Vatican medical update said the operation had been successful and had been completed without complications.
“The surgery was successful and there were no complications,” the Vatican stated.
Doctors subsequently reported encouraging signs of recovery, with a chest X-ray showing improvement in the operated lung.
Before leaving the hospital, the Pope celebrated Mass in a room prepared for him on the facility’s 10th floor.
His discharge marks a significant step in his recovery, although further medical assessments will help determine whether he requires additional treatment.
The pontiff is expected to lead the traditional Angelus prayer from the window of his papal apartment on Sunday, October 18, following his return to the Vatican.
His health has attracted international attention, with Catholics and observers closely monitoring his recovery and its possible implications for his official engagements.
The Vatican has not announced any changes to his planned visit to South America in November. However, his medical team is expected to continue monitoring his condition as preparations for the trip proceed.
Pope Leo XIV was elected in May 2025, becoming the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.