Pope Leo XIV to Leave Hospital After Lung Cancer Surgery
The Pontiff will return to the Vatican and lead the Angelus prayer from his papal apartment, having received clear post-surgery test results.
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to be discharged from Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Saturday, several days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous node from his right lung. According to a statement from the Holy See, the Pontiff will return to the Vatican.
Following a medical assessment Saturday morning, doctors determined the Pope is well enough to leave the hospital. He underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray that confirmed his readiness for discharge. The Pope is expected to leave the hospital in the early afternoon and will lead the Angelus prayer from his papal apartment on Sunday.
Pope Leo XIV underwent thoracic surgery on Tuesday to remove the lung node. The operation, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, was successful and without complications. Post-surgery, doctors diagnosed the condition as lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer.
While recovering on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital, the Pope made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the conversation, Pope Leo XIV urged Putin to call for a ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky. The Holy Father expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Oleshky, located in the Kherson region, and called for a ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of food and medical aid, as well as the safe evacuation of civilians. The Vatican stated that the Pope reaffirmed the Holy See's commitment to promoting dialogue and peace.
Russia has controlled Oleshky since May and has not permitted humanitarian food deliveries to the city. Reports indicate that Oleshky is without electricity, gas, or running water, and its hospital is struggling to function.