Pope addresses crowd in Vatican after cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV is set to leave the hospital on Saturday, four days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, according to the Vatican. The 71-year-old pontiff had a portion of his right lung removed following the detection of a suspected cancerous nodule. The surgery confirmed the presence of adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent form of lung cancer.

Pope Leo's personal physician and surgeon stated that he was "deemed fit for discharge from the hospital" based on his blood test results, a chest X-ray, and an evaluation of his clinical condition, conducted on Saturday morning. The pontiff is anticipated to depart the hospital in the early afternoon and return to the Vatican. Earlier, the Pope had informed the Vatican faithful about the nodule's discovery and its removal during a mass in St. Peter's Square on Sunday.

Post-surgery, Pope Leo has demonstrated a strong recovery, engaging in activities such as a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, meeting with high-ranking officials, and celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel. The Vatican unveiled the pope's first images since the surgery, displaying him standing at an altar in green vestments, surrounded by medical staff and Vatican gendarmes.

The discharge date was determined by the pope's medical team, and he is expected to commence a three-week recovery period before embarking on his planned Latin America tour from November 6 to 17.