Vatican Says Pope Leo Will Leave Hospital on Saturday, Days After Lung Surgery

Pope Leo XIV is set to be released from Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, only four days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his lung. Despite the recent medical procedure, the Vatican confirmed the Pope will deliver the traditional Angelus prayer and blessing to an audience in St Peter's Square on Sunday.

Following the announcement of his surgery, photographs revealed the Pope continuing to celebrate Mass and administer communion within the hospital premises for staff members. Doctors' reports indicated steady improvement in the Pope's condition, as evidenced by blood tests and a chest X-ray. The 90-minute surgery involved the removal of the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung.

Further tests to determine if the cancer has spread have not yet yielded results. The Pope also engaged in a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, marking their first dialogue since June 2025. The call was aimed at promoting dialogue and peace amid Russia's ongoing bombardment of Ukrainian cities, which has led to a rising number of civilian casualties.

The Pope particularly called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky, currently under constant shelling, to facilitate the evacuation of residents and the timely delivery of essential supplies. As the Pope's public appearances are cleared until October 20, his sudden return to public life is a surprise and brings relief to Catholics globally.

Those closely associated with the Pope revealed his eagerness to avoid delaying a planned trip to Latin America in early November, which would include a visit to Peru, a region where he served as a missionary for many years. The suitability of the Pope's fitness to undertake the trip or necessitate additional medical attention remains uncertain.