Pope Leo will leave hospital, return to Vatican on Oct 17: Holy See

Vatican City, October 17 — Pope Leo XIV's postoperative recovery is progressing steadily after surgery to remove a portion of his right lung, with doctors reporting ongoing improvement as the pontiff resumed daily activities on his own. According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office on Friday, medical examinations confirmed the Pope's improving condition following the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung, which was revealed to contain lung adenocarcinoma.

Doctors Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora informed the public that blood tests and a chest X-ray conducted on Friday morning continued to demonstrate his steady recovery. The doctors stated that respiratory physiotherapy sessions have been ongoing, and the Pope's postoperative state now permits him to conduct normal daily activities independently.

In addition to his recovery, Pope Leo participated in an important ceremony at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. On Friday noon, he celebrated Mass in a specially arranged room on the 10th floor of the facility, distributing Communion to the medical and nursing staff and personnel from the Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps. During the service, the Pope expressed his gratitude towards the healthcare workers, acknowledging their dedication in caring for patients during times of illness and vulnerability.

In his homily, he particularly thanked all the staff, including doctors, nurses, and orderlies, for their daily efforts in supporting patients through periods of frailty, and for their ongoing care for him.

After the Mass, Pope Leo had separate meetings with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and Dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Baldo Reina, the Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome. The Vatican announced that the traditional Sunday midday Angelus would proceed as scheduled, though it did not specify if the Pope would lead the prayer in person.

This update comes after earlier announcements about the Pope's successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, which was confirmed to have lung adenocarcinoma. The surgery was reported to have been carried out without complications, and the Pope regained consciousness before returning to his hospital room. His hospitalization led to the cancellation of scheduled audiences through October 20, with Cardinal Tagle assigned to celebrate a previously planned Mass.

The Friday update provides further evidence of the Pope's progress in recovery, though it does not provide further details on the duration of his hospital stay or the subsequent course of treatment.