Pope Leo will leave the hospital Saturday following lung cancer surgery, Vatican says

Pope Leo XIV is set to be discharged from the hospital on Saturday, following lung cancer surgery that took place four days ago, according to the Vatican. The 71-year-old Pope had a lower lobe of his right lung removed after doctors identified a suspected cancerous nodule, which was later confirmed to be adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.

The Pope, who announced his diagnosis last Sunday, has been showing signs of recovery, including holding a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel. The Vatican has released the first images of Pope Leo since his surgery, showing him standing up at an altar in a hospital chapel in green vestments, as doctors reported his continued improvement.

Pope Leo is scheduled to deliver the traditional noon blessing from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. The Vatican has not yet provided information on the precise molecular and genetic makeup of the cancer, whether it has spread beyond the lobe, or whether any further treatment is necessary.

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