Pope Leo XIV Reportedly Cleared to Leave Hospital Following Lung Surgery

Yesterday 09:15

Pope Leo XIV has reportedly received medical clearance to leave Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following surgery to remove part of his right lung, although official confirmation of his discharge from the Vatican remains pending.

The 71-year-old pontiff was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, October 13, for an operation to remove a pulmonary nodule. The procedure involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors identified the lesion as requiring surgical intervention.

According to the medical bulletin issued by the Holy See, an examination of the tissue collected during surgery confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. The operation lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed without reported complications, although the Pope spent nearly three hours in the operating theatre.

Medical team reports encouraging recovery

The reported decision to authorize the Pope’s discharge follows several days of postoperative monitoring. Blood tests, chest X-rays and clinical assessments have reportedly indicated a favourable recovery.

On Friday, October 16, the Vatican described the pontiff’s overall condition as continuing to improve. Medical staff said he was able to carry out daily activities independently and was continuing respiratory physiotherapy to support his recovery.

During his hospital stay, Leo XIV also celebrated Mass in a room on the tenth floor of Gemelli Hospital. Members of the medical staff and the Vatican Gendarmerie attended the service, with photographs subsequently released by the Holy See.

His ability to resume certain daily activities and participate in religious observances has offered encouraging signs about his postoperative progress. However, his reported readiness to leave hospital does not mean that his medical care has concluded.

Further tests will determine the next stage of treatment

Despite the favourable initial reports, important medical questions remain unresolved. Specialists are awaiting the results of more detailed examinations of the tissue removed during surgery to establish the extent of the disease and determine whether additional treatment will be necessary.

Those findings are expected to guide the medical team’s next decisions. Depending on the results, the Pope could require further treatment and continued specialist monitoring after leaving hospital.

The distinction between hospital discharge and full recovery is therefore significant. Although the immediate surgical phase appears to have progressed without reported complications, the longer-term medical outlook will depend on the findings of the additional examinations and the recommendations of his doctors.

The Vatican has not yet provided a definitive account of any further treatment that may be required.

Angelus appearance expected at the Vatican

The pontiff is expected to recite the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday, October 18, from the window of his papal apartments overlooking St. Peter’s Square, according to the information provided by the Vatican.

If the appearance goes ahead as planned, it would mark his first public engagement since his hospitalization. The event would also provide an opportunity for the faithful to see the Pope following the operation, although his precise recovery arrangements remain subject to medical advice.

Several audiences and official commitments have been suspended until October 20 to give him time to recover. The measures reflect the need to balance his responsibilities as head of the Catholic Church with the demands of postoperative care.

November apostolic journey remains uncertain

Attention is also turning to the Pope’s planned apostolic journey to South America, scheduled for November 6–17.

His participation will depend on how his recovery progresses and on medical guidance in the coming weeks. A decision about the trip would need to take account of the demands of international travel, a potentially intensive schedule and the need to continue monitoring his condition.

For now, the reported authorization to leave Gemelli Hospital represents a development in the Pope’s recovery, but several questions remain unanswered. The forthcoming medical findings and the Vatican’s next official announcements are expected to clarify both his treatment requirements and the timetable for resuming his public duties.