The Vatican announced on Saturday that Pope Leo XIV has been cleared to leave Rome's Gemelli Hospital, less than a week after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff is expected to return to the Vatican in the early afternoon and will lead the Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment on Sunday.
In a statement, the Vatican press office said that "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 decision came after blood tests and a chest X-ray confirmed he was fit to leave.
The pope underwent the operation on Tuesday, during which surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican confirmed that the procedure was successful and that there were no complications. The surgery lasted about 90 minutes, with the pope in the operating room for roughly three hours in total.
Earlier this week, the Vatican disclosed that the growth was diagnosed as a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, which had been suspected from pre-operative tests. The announcement marked a significant moment for the Catholic Church, as Leo XIV is the first pope in modern history to undergo such a procedure while in office.
Recovery and public appearances
During his stay at Gemelli, the pope was seen in first images released by the Vatican, showing him resting and receiving well-wishers. His recovery has been closely monitored, and the Vatican has provided regular updates, including reports of his resting after the surgery.
The pope's decision to undergo surgery at Gemelli, a hospital with a dedicated papal suite, reflects a pragmatic approach to his health. The hospital, located in the northern part of Rome, has been the site of previous papal treatments, including for Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis.
Leo XIV, who was elected in 2025, has been known for his relatively youthful energy and his focus on pastoral outreach. His willingness to address health issues openly has been seen as a departure from the more guarded approach of some predecessors.
The pope's discharge comes just days after he celebrated Mass at Gemelli, a sign that his recovery is on track. The Vatican has not yet announced a timeline for his full return to public duties, but the Angelus on Sunday will be a key test of his stamina.
Medical experts have noted that the removal of a lung lobe is a major operation, and full recovery can take several weeks. The pope's medical team has advised a period of rest and limited activity, though the Vatican has not specified any restrictions.
The announcement of the pope's discharge was met with relief among Catholics in Italy and across Europe. In Rome, faithful gathered outside Gemelli to offer prayers, and many expressed optimism about his recovery.
As the pope returns to the Vatican, the focus will shift to his ability to resume his demanding schedule, which includes audiences, international trips, and the governance of the Catholic Church. The Vatican has not indicated any changes to his planned engagements, but observers will be watching closely.
Leo XIV's health has been a topic of interest since his election, and his handling of this medical episode has been praised for its transparency. The Vatican's regular updates, including the confirmation of the cancer diagnosis, have been seen as an effort to manage public expectations while maintaining trust.
For now, the pope's discharge marks a positive step in his recovery, and his appearance at the Angelus on Sunday will be a moment of reassurance for the global Catholic community.
