Pope Leo XIV has been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and returned to the Vatican after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. The pontiff was released on Saturday, October 17, following four days of hospital care.
The 71-year-old pope walked to his waiting vehicle without assistance and briefly interacted with well-wishers gathered outside the hospital before departing.
“I am better, thank you,” Leo said as he was driven away in a black sports utility vehicle.
His medical team cleared him to leave after reviewing blood test results and chest imaging used to assess his recovery.
The pope underwent surgery on Tuesday, October 13, to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors discovered a suspicious nodule. Examination of the removed tissue reportedly confirmed adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer.
His medical team described the operation as successful and said it was completed without complications. However, details about the tumour’s size and whether the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes were not disclosed, leaving some questions about his long-term prognosis unanswered.
Leo’s diagnosis has drawn attention to the health of the pontiff, who was elected pope in May 2025, and the possible implications for his responsibilities as head of the Catholic Church.
Despite the health setback, the pope returned to public engagement on Sunday, October 18, when he appeared at the Apostolic Palace window and addressed pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square.
His return to public view followed his discharge from hospital, although his recovery is expected to continue. His medical team has not provided a detailed timeline for his full recovery or return to his usual schedule.
The Vatican has not indicated that the pope is stepping down from his duties, and his public appearance signals that he intends to continue carrying out his responsibilities as his health permits.
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