Pope Leo XIV Discharged from Hospital Following Successful Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on Saturday, four days after undergoing a 90-minute surgical procedure to remove a cancerous mass from his right lung. The 71-year-old pontiff, who was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma—the most common form of lung cancer—appeared in good spirits as he waved to well-wishers upon leaving the facility. His medical team confirmed that his recovery has been swift, noting that blood tests and chest X-rays performed on Saturday morning indicated he was fit to return to the Vatican.

The Vatican has maintained a rare level of transparency regarding the Pope’s health, a significant departure from historical secrecy surrounding papal medical conditions. During his brief hospital stay, the Pope reportedly maintained a busy schedule, including a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and presiding over Mass in the hospital chapel. His personal physician stated that the pontiff has been able to resume normal daily activities independently, with Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirming that the Pope expressed deep gratitude to the medical staff for their dedicated care.

This surgical intervention follows the Pope’s public announcement last Sunday, where he candidly informed the faithful in St. Peter’s Square about the discovery of a lung nodule. The Vatican had initially projected a week-long hospital stay, but the Pope’s rapid clinical improvement allowed for an earlier discharge. Despite the gravity of the diagnosis, the pontiff is expected to resume his public duties immediately, with plans to deliver the traditional noon blessing from his window overlooking St. Peter’s Square this coming Sunday.

Looking ahead, the Vatican is proceeding with plans for the Pope’s ambitious trip to Latin America scheduled for next month. While doctors are still awaiting final pathology results to determine if further oncological treatment is required, the current recovery trajectory remains positive. Oncology experts suggest that a three-week recovery window is generally sufficient for patients to resume air travel, and the Vatican has already begun accrediting journalists for the upcoming papal flight, signaling confidence in his continued health and ability to travel.