The 71-year-old pontiff left the hospital on Saturday, October 17, after doctors reviewed his blood tests, chest X-ray and overall clinical condition and determined that he was fit to continue his recovery outside the hospital.
During Tuesday’s operation, surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican confirmed that the tissue showed lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer. The procedure was reported to have been completed successfully without complications.
Although his discharge marks an important recovery milestone, questions remain about his longer-term treatment. Doctors are awaiting further test results to determine whether the cancer has spread and whether additional treatment will be required.
Before leaving the hospital, Pope Leo celebrated Mass in his room and then returned to the Vatican, where he is expected to continue recovering.
The Vatican has announced that the Pope is scheduled to lead the Angelus prayer from the window of his papal apartment on Sunday, October 18.
His discharge comes earlier than the initial expectation that he would remain in hospital for about a week. His recovery and any future treatment decisions will continue to be guided by medical assessments.
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Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican after being discharged from hospital four days after surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his right lung. Doctors say his condition allows him to continue recovering outside hospital, but further test results will help determine whether additional treatment is needed. Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican after...
Key takeaways
- Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican after being discharged from hospital four days after surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his right lung.
- Doctors say his condition allows him to continue recovering outside hospital, but further test results will help determine whether additional treatment is needed.
- Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican after being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, four days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his right lung.The 71-year-old pontiff left the hospital on Saturday, October 17, after doctors reviewed his blood tests, chest X-ray and overall clinical condition and determined that he was fit to continue his recovery outside the hospital.During Tuesday’s operation, surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
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Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican after being discharged from hospital four days after surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his right lung. Doctors say his condition allows him to continue recovering outside hospital, but further test results will help determine whether additional treatment is needed. Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican after...
Who published this story?
Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
When was it published?
October 17, 2026
