Pope Leo XIV Discharged Four Days After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo XIV has been discharged from hospital in Rome, Italy, four days after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung following a diagnosis of lung cancer.

The 71-year-old pontiff left Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, October 17, and returned to the Vatican after his doctors concluded that his condition was stable enough for him to leave the facility.

According to Vatican News, the Pope underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray on Saturday morning. His medical team, comprising Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, said the results supported his discharge.

The surgery took place on Tuesday, October 13, after doctors discovered a localised nodule in his lung during medical examinations.

An official update published by Vatican News on October 14 said an examination of the tissue during surgery confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.

The operation involved removing the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung using a video-assisted technique. Doctors said the procedure was successful and was completed without complications.

The Pope’s discharge came after several days of updates indicating that his recovery was progressing normally.

In an update published on Thursday, October 15, Vatican News reported that the pontiff had experienced a good night in hospital, had resumed eating and was undergoing respiratory physiotherapy.

His medical team had also reported that a chest X-ray showed good recovery of the lung following the operation.

Following his discharge, the Pope is scheduled to lead the traditional Angelus prayer from the window of his apartment at the Apostolic Palace on Sunday, October 18.

The Holy See Press Office announced the planned engagement alongside confirmation of his discharge from hospital. It will be his first scheduled public engagement since the surgery.

However, his discharge does not necessarily mean that his cancer treatment and medical assessments are complete.

A Reuters report published on October 13 said the Vatican had not disclosed the tumour’s stage or whether the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes. Further examination of the removed tissue is important in determining the extent of the disease and whether additional treatment will be required.

Pope Leo XIV, who was elected in May 2025, is the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

His health has also raised questions about his planned visit to South America from November 6 to 17, with Uruguay, Argentina and Peru among the scheduled destinations.

Reuters reported on Saturday that his doctors did not identify a clinical obstacle to the planned trip, although his recovery will remain an important consideration.

For now, the Pope’s return to the Vatican marks the end of his four-day hospital stay, while further medical assessments will help determine the next steps in his recovery.