RismadarVoice Reporters
October 17, 2026
Pope Leo XIV is expected to return to the Vatican on Saturday after doctors declared him medically fit for discharge from Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital, four days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent an operation on Tuesday, October 13, during which surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung after identifying a cancerous growth.
The Vatican confirmed that the surgery was successful and that the Pope’s recovery had progressed sufficiently for him to leave hospital earlier than the initially anticipated one-week admission.
In a medical update released on Saturday, the Pope’s personal physician, Dr Luigi Carbone, and the head of the surgical team, Professor Stefano Margaritora, said blood tests, chest imaging and an assessment of his overall condition supported his discharge.
The Holy See Press Office subsequently announced that Leo would leave the hospital in the early afternoon and return to his residence at the Vatican.
DOCTORS CONFIRM SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY
According to the Vatican, Pope Leo’s recovery has progressed steadily since the operation.
The surgery involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique.
Doctors confirmed that tissue examined during the operation showed lung adenocarcinoma, a form of non-small-cell lung cancer.
The procedure was completed without reported complications, and the patient regained consciousness normally before returning to his hospital room.
During his recovery, he underwent respiratory physiotherapy and routine medical examinations to assess his lung function and general condition.
By Thursday, doctors reported that he was carrying out daily activities independently, while subsequent examinations indicated continued improvement.
On Saturday, the medical team concluded that he no longer required continued hospital admission.
POPE TO LEAD SUNDAY ANGELUS FROM VATICAN
The Vatican also confirmed that Pope Leo would resume a limited public religious engagement on Sunday, October 18.
He is scheduled to lead the traditional Angelus prayer from the window of his papal apartment overlooking St Peter’s Square.
The announcement is being viewed as an encouraging indication of his recovery following the operation.
The Angelus is one of the Pope’s most recognisable weekly engagements, attracting pilgrims and visitors who gather in St Peter’s Square for prayers and the pontiff’s message.
Previous popes, including John Paul II and Francis, also maintained public prayer engagements during periods of illness, sometimes addressing worshippers from hospital rooms.
PONTIFF CELEBRATES MASS DURING HOSPITALISATION
Despite his hospital admission, Pope Leo has continued some religious and official activities.
The Vatican disclosed that he celebrated Mass during his recovery in a room designated for worship on the hospital’s 10th floor.
He has also maintained limited contact with Vatican officials while receiving medical care.
The Pope’s ability to perform some daily activities independently has been described by his doctors as consistent with his positive postoperative progress.
However, his discharge does not mean that all medical assessments have been completed.
Further examination of the removed tissue is expected to provide additional information relevant to his diagnosis and any subsequent treatment decisions.
CANCER DIAGNOSIS RAISES CONCERN AMONG CATHOLICS
The Pope’s illness has attracted considerable attention across the Catholic Church, which has approximately 1.4 billion members worldwide.
Before the operation, Leo had generally been regarded as physically active, and announcing a lung abnormality was a source of concern among Catholics and Vatican officials.
On Sunday, October 11, the pontiff publicly disclosed that doctors had discovered a small, localised nodule during routine medical examinations.
He explained that the abnormality had been detected at an early stage and that his doctors recommended surgical removal.
The Pope thanked the faithful for their prayers and expressed confidence in the medical team responsible for his treatment.
Subsequent examinations during surgery confirmed that the growth was cancerous.
Although doctors have reported a successful operation, further pathological findings will be important in determining the extent of the disease and whether additional treatment is required.
POPE CONTINUES DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENTS
The pontiff has also remained involved in selected diplomatic matters despite his hospitalisation.
He reportedly spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday amid continuing concerns about the war in Ukraine.
The discussion reportedly included an appeal for a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
The engagement reflects the Pope’s continuing interest in international peace efforts, although his public schedule remains restricted during recovery.
The Vatican has cancelled his scheduled audiences through October 20 to allow him additional time to recuperate.
SOUTH AMERICA VISIT REMAINS UNCERTAIN
Questions remain over whether Pope Leo will proceed with his planned visit to South America in November.
The pontiff is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru between November 6 and 17.
The proposed journey is expected to be physically demanding, particularly given the length of travel and the number of public engagements normally associated with papal visits.
Peru holds particular significance for Leo, who spent approximately two decades working as a missionary in the country before his election as Pope.
Although the Vatican has not announced the cancellation of the visit, the final decision is expected to take account of medical adviced the progress of his recovery.
The Pope’s medical team has not publicly established a definitive timetable for his return to a full schedule of activities.
VATICAN EXPECTS CONTINUED RECOVERY
The announcement of Pope Leo’s discharge marks an important milestone following his surgery.
His doctors have reported steady improvement, and the Vatican’s confirmation of Sunday’s Angelus indicates that the pontiff is preparing to resume selected public responsibilities.
Nevertheless, further medical monitoring and examination will remain important as he recovers from the removal of part of his right lung.
For Catholics around the world, the development brings reassurance following days of concern over the Pope’s health.
The Vatican is expected to provide additional information as necessary concerning his recovery, forthcoming engagements and any adjustments to his schedule.
