Pope Leo discharged from hospital after lung cancer surgery

Rome — Pope Leo XIV emerged from the hospital on Saturday, four days after undergoing lung cancer surgery, marking a fast return to his duties after his first health scare during his papacy. Unaided and greeting well-wishers, including a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl who presented him with a stuffed toy, the 71-year-old first American pope departed the Gemelli hospital unaided.

The nodule was identified as pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent type of lung cancer, and doctors removed it during the procedure. After conducting blood tests and an X-ray, his physicians deemed him fit to leave the hospital. Pope Leo is scheduled to deliver the customary Sunday blessing from a window overlooking St. Peter's Square the following Sunday, a week after announcing the need for surgery.

His election as Pope Leo XIV in May at the age of 69 occurred at a relatively young age, and he remains in good physical condition. Known to be physically active, the pope practiced sports such as tennis and swimming. However, the Vatican is remaining cautious about his upcoming trip to Latin America from November 6-17, which includes Uruguay, Argentina, and a visit to Peru, where he served as a missionary and bishop in the past.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See Secretary of State, stated that the pope's health post-surgery will determine whether the trips are kept or canceled. Despite his recovery, Pope Leo has continued to work from the hospital, meeting with cardinals and even having a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the situation in Oleshky, a southern Ukrainian city.

The doctors have assured that there are no clinical reasons why the Latin America trip should be cancelled, and they predict a full physical recovery within a couple of weeks. While past popes have written letters of resignation in instances of severe illness or medical emergencies, Cardinal Pietro Parolin stated that he does not believe Pope Leo has taken such a step.

Nevertheless, just days prior to his surgery, Pope Leo had confirmed Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as the Dean of the College of Cardinals, a crucial role responsible for presiding over conclave and pre-conclave meetings. This appointment, made by a 69-year-old Pope Leo XIV, is considered a significant administrative measure, although any future papal election is still far off in the future.