‘With help of God & your prayers’: Pope makes first public appearance after surgery

Vatican City (AP) - Pope Leo XIV will be released from the hospital on Saturday, four days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, according to the Vatican's announcement. The 71-year-old was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, following the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. The surgery confirmed the presence of a cancerous nodule, which was discovered by doctors last Sunday during a public appearance at St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo's personal physician and surgeon have stated that he is fit for discharge from the hospital based on blood test results, a chest X-ray, and an overall assessment of his clinical condition. In preparation for his release, the Pope had been seen participating in various activities, including a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, meeting with top aides, and celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel.

The Vatican released images of Pope Leo standing at an altar in a hospital chapel, dressed in green vestments, indicating his continued improvement.

Since his surgery on Tuesday, Pope Leo has shown strong indications of recovery, allowing him to carry out "normal daily activities without assistance." The Vatican initially estimated a week-long hospital stay, but the discharge date was left up to the Pope's doctors. Pope Leo's next major event is a trip to Latin America from November 6-17, which provides him with an additional three weeks for recovery before embarking on the ambitious journey that includes multiple flights and helicopter trips.

The Vatican has confirmed the all-clear for air travel, noting that patients are typically cleared to fly after three weeks of recovery, provided they are medically stable. Doctors are still awaiting the results of additional tests to determine the precise nature of the cancer, its spread, and whether further treatment is required.