Pope Leo XIV Discharged After Lung Cancer Surgery, Resumes Duties
Pontiff returns to Vatican after successful lung cancer operation
Pope Leo XIV walked out of Gemelli Hospital on Saturday afternoon, ending a week-long hospitalization that began with the removal of a cancerous lung node. The Vatican confirmed his discharge following final medical assessments, including blood tests and chest X-rays that indicated sufficient recovery for a return to papal duties.
The pontiff will lead the Angelus prayer from his apartment window on Sunday, marking his first public engagement since undergoing thoracic surgery on Oct. 13. Doctors diagnosed him with lung adenocarcinoma after removing the nodule during a procedure that lasted approximately 90 minutes. The Holy See press office stated the operation was successful and complication-free.
Before leaving Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, Pope Leo celebrated mass in his room on the hospital’s 10th floor. His departure signals a rapid return to administrative responsibilities despite the serious diagnosis.
During his recovery period, the pope maintained diplomatic activity. He engaged in a direct conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging an immediate ceasefire in Oleshky, a city in the Kherson region currently under Russian control. The Vatican statement highlighted the pope’s concern over the humanitarian crisis in the area, where residents lack electricity, gas, running water, and access to functional medical care.
Pope Leo called for safe evacuation corridors for civilians and the delivery of food and medical supplies to Oleshky. This intervention occurred while he remained hospitalized, demonstrating the continuity of the Holy See’s geopolitical outreach even during personal health crises. Russia has controlled the southern Ukrainian city since May, blocking most humanitarian aid channels.
The Vatican reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue and peace initiatives globally. Former President Donald Trump publicly wished the pope a speedy recovery following the diagnosis, noting positive relations with the pontiff’s family.
