Pope Leo to Leave Hospital Saturday After Lung Cancer Surgery, Vatican Says

Pope Leo XIV is set to leave hospital on Saturday, October 17, four days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, following encouraging medical assessments, the Vatican has announced.

The 71-year-old pontiff will return to the Vatican after doctors determined that his condition was sufficiently stable for discharge. The decision followed blood tests, a chest X-ray and a clinical assessment conducted on Saturday morning, according to the Vatican and reports by the Associated Press and Reuters.

Pope Leo underwent surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors identified a suspicious nodule. The operation confirmed a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.

The Vatican has reported steady improvement in his condition, with doctors saying he has regained the ability to carry out normal daily activities independently. His recovery has progressed faster than initially anticipated, as the Vatican had previously indicated that he might remain in hospital for approximately a week.

Before his discharge, the Pope also demonstrated signs of returning to his routine. On Friday, he celebrated Mass in a hospital chapel, met with aides and continued handling some official duties. Vatican Media released photographs showing him standing at the altar in green liturgical vestments, offering the first public images of him since the operation.

Following his return to the Vatican, Pope Leo is expected to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer and blessing from the window of his papal apartment overlooking St Peter’s Square on Sunday. The appearance will mark his first public engagement since the surgery.

Despite the encouraging recovery, questions remain about the longer-term management of his illness. Doctors are awaiting further test results to establish the precise characteristics of the cancer, whether it has spread beyond the removed portion of the lung and whether additional treatment will be necessary.

The Pope’s planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17 remains an important upcoming commitment, although his medical recovery will be a key consideration as preparations continue.

Pope Leo, who was elected in May 2025, has continued to signal his intention to remain engaged in his pastoral and diplomatic responsibilities despite the health challenge.

The Vatican has not indicated that his hospital discharge means his cancer treatment and recovery are complete. Further medical assessments will help determine the next steps in his care.