Pope Leo XIV Discharged After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to be released from the hospital on Saturday, four days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his lung. The Vatican announced that doctors have deemed the 71-year-old pontiff fit for discharge following a successful operation and subsequent recovery.

Doctors confirmed that Pope Leo was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, after a lesion was found on his chest and part of his right lung was removed. His personal physician and surgeon stated that blood tests, a chest X-ray, and an assessment of his clinical condition on Saturday morning indicated a positive recovery.

The American pontiff is expected to deliver the traditional noon blessing on Sunday from a window overlooking St. Peter's Square. This marks a return to public duties after his surgery on Tuesday morning, which lasted 90 minutes.

The Vatican has aimed for a greater level of transparency regarding the Pope's health compared to previous pontificates. Pope Leo himself informed the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square last Sunday about the nodule on his lung before it was removed.

Images released Friday showed Pope Leo celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel, indicating a steady recovery. He has also held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and met with top aides since the surgery.

His next major engagement is a planned trip to Latin America next month, which involves numerous flights and helicopter trips. The Vatican has indicated the trip is expected to proceed, with journalists being accredited to travel on the papal plane. Medical protocols generally allow patients to fly three weeks after surgery, provided their recovery permits.

Doctors are awaiting further test results to determine if additional treatment will be necessary for the Pope's lung cancer.