Pope Leo XIV has been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, just four days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his lung. Source: bbc.co.uk.
Medical Details and Recovery
The operation, which lasted 90 minutes, involved the removal of the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung.
Doctors released a statement saying blood tests and a chest X-ray show ‘steady improvement’ following the procedure.
Further tests to determine whether the cancer has spread have not yet been completed or publicly announced.
Public Appearances and Schedule
The Pope walked unaided to his waiting car after discharge, stopping to speak with well-wishers.
He will give the traditional Angelus prayer and blessing in St Peter’s Square on Sunday — a public event he previously held last week when he revealed the surgery.
His public schedule has been cleared until 20 October, making his early return notable and unexpected.
International Engagement
On Friday, the Pope spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin in their first call since June 2025.
The Vatican said the conversation aimed to encourage ‘dialogue and peace’ amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Pope also called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Oleshkiy, a Ukrainian city under Russian occupation and constant shelling.
Residents there have been reported to eat garden weeds to survive, according to recent BBC coverage.
Travel Plans and Health Outlook
Those close to the Pope say he is eager to proceed with a trip to Latin America, planned for early November.
The journey includes a visit to Peru, where he served as a missionary for many years.
It is not yet clear whether he will be fit to travel or may require further medical treatment.
Why This Matters
The Pope’s recovery and public return are significant for global Catholic communities.
His early appearance in public signals a commitment to both personal health and public service.
His outreach to Ukraine underscores the Church’s role in humanitarian advocacy during conflict.
Limitations and Uncertainties
There is no public confirmation of whether the cancer has spread.
Medical details beyond the immediate post-surgery period remain undisclosed.
It is unclear if the trip to Latin America will proceed as planned.
The Vatican has not issued a formal statement on the long-term prognosis or future medical steps.
For updates on the Pope’s health and public schedule, visit the original source: BBC News.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: Pope Leo XIV on the loggia (cropped).jpg by Edgar Beltrán / The Pillar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image source · License
