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Pope Leo XIV has been discharged from hospital four days after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung following a diagnosis of lung cancer.
The 71-year-old pontiff left Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday afternoon and returned to the Vatican after doctors determined that his condition had improved sufficiently for him to continue his recovery outside the hospital.
According to Reuters, the Pope walked unaided to his waiting car before briefly speaking to well-wishers gathered outside the hospital. His appearance offered a glimpse of his condition following the operation, which had raised concerns about his health and ability to resume his public engagements.
His discharge followed a series of medical examinations, including blood tests and chest imaging conducted earlier on Saturday. Doctors confirmed that the operation, which took place on Tuesday, had been successful and was completed without complications.
The development marks an important stage in the pontiff’s recovery, although the Vatican has not released comprehensive details about the severity of the cancer or the treatment he may require in the coming weeks.
Doctors confirm lung cancer diagnosis
The surgery followed the identification of a suspected cancerous nodule in the Pope’s right lung. Further medical examinations confirmed that he had lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
The operation involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung, a procedure intended to address the affected area. The right lung has three lobes, and the removal of one does not necessarily mean that a patient cannot resume normal activities, although recovery depends on several medical factors.
Reuters reported that doctors had not disclosed the size of the tumour or whether the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Such information is important in determining the stage of the disease, assessing the effectiveness of surgery and deciding whether additional treatment may be necessary.
The absence of further details means that the Pope’s long-term prognosis remains unclear. His discharge from hospital, however, indicates that his medical team considered him sufficiently stable to leave inpatient care.
Pope schedules first public appearance after surgery
Meanwhile, the Vatican announced on Saturday that Pope Leo would lead the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday from the window of the papal apartment overlooking St Peter’s Square.
The appearance will be his first public engagement since undergoing the operation and is expected to provide an opportunity for Catholics and other well-wishers to see him following his discharge.
The Angelus is a traditional Catholic prayer observed at midday, particularly on Sundays and religious feast days. The Pope’s regular participation in the prayer is also an important part of his public ministry, offering an opportunity to address worshippers and deliver brief reflections.
His planned appearance comes as attention remains focused on his recovery and the extent to which he will be able to resume his normal schedule of religious duties.
The Vatican has not provided further details in the report about when the pontiff will return to his full programme of engagements.
Leo XIV made history as first American Pope
Pope Leo XIV was elected head of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025, succeeding Pope Francis and becoming the first American to occupy the papacy.
His election marked a historic moment for the Church, which has more than a billion adherents worldwide and maintains a significant religious and diplomatic presence across different regions.
As head of the Catholic Church, the Pope oversees its spiritual leadership and administration while undertaking public engagements, religious ceremonies and international visits.
His hospitalisation and subsequent surgery have therefore attracted attention beyond the Vatican, with Catholics and other observers following developments concerning his health.
For now, his discharge from Gemelli Hospital and planned appearance at the Angelus prayer represent the latest developments in his recovery.
However, with key medical details, including the tumour’s size and whether the cancer had spread, yet to be disclosed, questions remain about the pontiff’s longer-term health and the treatment he may need after surgery.
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