Pope Discharged Days After Lung Cancer Surgery, to Lead Angelus Prayer

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to be discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Saturday afternoon, just four days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his lung. The Vatican announced that the pontiff will lead the traditional Angelus prayer and blessing in St. Peter's Square on Sunday.

Photographs released on Friday showed the Pope celebrating Mass and distributing communion to hospital staff. Doctors stated that blood tests and a chest X-ray indicated steady improvement following the operation, which took place on Tuesday. The surgery involved the removal of the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung. Results from further tests to determine if the cancer has spread have not yet been released.

In a phone call on Friday, the Pope spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging dialogue and peace. This conversation occurred amidst an intensification of Russia's bombardment of Ukrainian cities, leading to an increasing number of civilian casualties. The Pope also called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshkiy, which is under constant shelling and occupied by Russia, to facilitate evacuations and the delivery of essential supplies.

The Pope's public schedule had been cleared until October 20, making his swift reappearance a surprise and a potential source of relief for Catholics globally. Those close to the pontiff indicated his eagerness to proceed with a planned trip to Latin America in early November, which includes a visit to Peru. It remains unclear whether he will be medically fit to travel or if further treatment will be required.