Pope Leo XIV Discharged After Lung Surgery, Expected to Appear Sunday
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday after spending four days recovering at Rome's Gemelli Hospital following surgery to remove a malignant lung nodule. The 71-year-old pontiff, whose post-operative pathology confirmed early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, is expected to make his first public appearance since the procedure on Sunday when he leads the traditional Angelus prayer from the Vatican window overlooking St. Peter's Square. Vatican medical staff cleared his discharge after blood tests and chest X-rays showed satisfactory recovery, though he remains under continuing pulmonary physical therapy.
Key Points
- Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery on Tuesday, October 13, to remove a lung nodule, which was later confirmed as early-stage lung adenocarcinoma
- Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung, excising all cancerous tissue during the procedure at Rome's Gemelli Hospital
- Despite hospitalization, the Pope held small Masses for medical staff and Vatican guards on Friday and Saturday, distributing communion wafers
- Before leaving the hospital Saturday, he visited the pediatric oncology ward, where young patients including a girl named Eleonora had written him letters of support
- Thousands of supporters gathered outside the hospital shouting "Papa!" as he departed for the Vatican
Why It Matters
The Pope's swift recovery and planned public appearance signal medical confidence in his prognosis, though his scheduled November pastoral visit to South America—covering Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru—will test his long-term stamina . His continued advocacy, including reported phone calls urging Russian President Putin to ceasefire, demonstrates his commitment to diplomacy despite health challenges .