Pope Leo XIV to be Discharged from Hospital Following Successful Lung Surgery

Pope Leo XIV is set to be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital this Saturday, just four days after undergoing surgery to remove a portion of his right lung. The 71-year-old pontiff, who was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this week, has shown a steady recovery, allowing him to resume limited work duties ahead of schedule. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope will return to his residence and is expected to appear at the window of the papal apartment this Sunday to recite the traditional Angelus prayer.

Medical officials, including the Pope’s personal physician, cleared him for discharge following favorable blood test results and chest X-rays conducted Saturday morning. The clinical assessment indicated that the Pope is fit to continue his recovery within the Vatican. Despite the gravity of the procedure, the Holy See released images on Friday showing the American-born Pope standing at an altar and celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel, signaling a positive trajectory in his post-operative health.

During his hospital stay, the Pope remained active in diplomatic and administrative affairs. On Friday, he held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he expressed deep concern regarding the humanitarian crisis in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky. Additionally, he conducted meetings with high-ranking officials, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Cardinal Baldassare Reina, demonstrating his continued engagement with the governance of the Catholic Church despite his medical challenges.

Looking ahead, the Vatican has signaled that the Pope’s upcoming international travel plans remain in effect. Although his diagnosis initially cast doubt on his ability to visit South America next month, the Holy See has officially accredited journalists to accompany the Pope on his flight to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. This move suggests that the Vatican intends for the apostolic journey to proceed as planned, provided his recovery continues to meet medical expectations in the coming weeks.