Pope Leo XIV was discharged from the hospital on Saturday after having surgery to remove a cancerous nodule in his lungs.
Why it matters: His discharge clears the way for his rigorous upcoming travel schedule and may alleviate fears of a leadership vacuum at the Vatican.
What they're saying: "In light of the blood tests and chest X-ray performed this morning, and following an assessment of his clinical condition, the Holy Father has been deemed fit for discharge," The Holy See Press Office said in a Saturday statement attributed to Leo's doctors, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora.
Catch up quick: The Vatican announced Leo would be having surgery to remove a nodule from his lung on Oct. 11, and later said the surgery removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
- The Vatican confirmed the surgery was successful on Tuesday, and later said that Leo was walking around, eating normally, and that his blood tests and chest X-rays were normal.
- Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype of lung cancer, per the Cancer Center, and if caught early, survival rates are very high.
Zoom out: His hospitalization and subsequent cancer diagnosis struck fear into Catholics across the world, who offered him prayers and well-wishes as he recovered.
- For example, a group in Chicago, the first American Pontiff's hometown, created a care package for Leo featuring get-well cards and a Chicago White Sox blanket.
- The Vatican has not yet said if any additional treatment is needed.
Go deeper: Chicago Catholics pray for Pope Leo XIV after lung cancer diagnosis