Pope Leo XIV to be Discharged from Hospital After Lung Cancer Surgery
Vatican announces Pope Leo XIV, 71, is fit for discharge four days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous lung mass.
Pope Leo XIV is set 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 the 71-year-old pontiff has been deemed fit for discharge by his doctors.
Pope Leo underwent a 90-minute surgery on Tuesday morning to remove a lesion found on his lung. Doctors subsequently diagnosed him with adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, and removed part of his right lung. His personal physician and surgeon stated that blood tests, a chest X-ray, and an assessment of his clinical condition on Saturday morning supported the decision for his release.
The American pontiff is expected to return to the Vatican on Saturday afternoon. He is scheduled to deliver the traditional noon blessing from a window overlooking St. Peter's Square on Sunday.
In a departure from historical Vatican secrecy regarding papal health, Pope Leo had previously informed the faithful in St. Peter's Square about the nodule on his lung and the planned surgery. He also revealed his diagnosis to a global audience on live television.
Since his surgery, Pope Leo has shown signs of a strong recovery. He has held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, met with top aides, and celebrated Mass in a hospital chapel. His personal doctor indicated a positive post-operative recovery, allowing the pontiff to engage in "normal daily activities completely on his own."
On Friday, the Vatican released the first images of Pope Leo since his surgery, showing him standing at an altar in a hospital chapel. Doctors confirmed his continued improvement.
Previously, the Vatican had estimated Pope Leo would remain hospitalized for a week and had canceled his audiences until Tuesday. His discharge date was to be determined by his medical team.
Pope Leo has a trip to Latin America scheduled for next month, giving him approximately three more weeks for recovery. The itinerary includes numerous flights and helicopter journeys. The Vatican has indicated the trip will proceed, having published the list of journalists accredited to travel with him.