Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, four days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung.
He left the hospital at approximately 3:30 p.m. — several days earlier than initially anticipated — and returned to the Vatican after a 10-minute car ride, according to The New York Times.
“I am much better, thank you,” the 71-year-old American pontiff told a journalist as he departed.
The Vatican reported Friday that the pope is making steady progress in his recovery. Blood tests and chest X-ray confirmed improvements in his overall condition, according to a joint statement from his personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and Dr. Stefano Margaritora, the surgeon who led his operation. The doctors said Leo would continue respiratory physiotherapy but was well enough to carry out his normal daily activities independently, the Daily Wire previously reported.
Credit: Vatican Media
During his hospitalization, the pope celebrated Mass in a makeshift chapel on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital, personally distributing Holy Communion to those in attendance. Hospital doctors, nurses, and members of the Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps joined the service.
“In his homily, the pope thanked all healthcare personnel — doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants — for the work they carry out every day caring for the sick and for those in fragile conditions, and in particular for everything they have done and continue to do for him,” the Holy See Press Office said.
The pope was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of non-small cell lung cancer, following surgery to remove a localized nodule from his right lung. The procedure involved removing the lower lobe of the lung, and tissue examined during the operation confirmed the diagnosis doctors had suspected beforehand. The Vatican has not disclosed whether further treatment will be necessary or whether the cancer has spread.
Leo is expected to recite the Angelus prayer and deliver his weekly blessing on Sunday from his apartment overlooking St. Peter’s Square, marking his first public appearance since the operation. His audiences and public engagements remain canceled through Tuesday, October 20.
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