Pope Leo XIV returns to the Vatican after lung surgery and prepares for Latin America tour
Pope Leo XIV, who underwent surgery to have his right lung removed, has been discharged from the hospital in Rome and returned to the Vatican. It was announced that his health condition is good.
Days after undergoing surgery following a lung cancer diagnosis, Pope Leo XIV was discharged from the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome and returned to the Vatican. His doctors reported that the 71-year-old pontiff has no clinical impediment to his Latin America trip in November and can fully recover in about 10 days.
Pope Leo XIV left the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on Saturday following an operation on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. Chief thoracic surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora and personal physician Dr. Luigi Carbone confirmed that blood tests, chest X-rays, and clinical status assessments showed improvement and that there was no obstacle to his discharge.
The diagnosis of adenocarcinoma-type lung cancer, detected during routine examinations at an early stage, was confirmed by the surgery. Dr. Margaritora stated that there is no clinical reason preventing the 71-year-old pontiff from undertaking his planned Latin America trip in November, which covers Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina. Walking unaided upon leaving the hospital, the Pope accepted a gift from a Ukrainian child before heading to the Vatican in a black SUV.
The Vatican announced that the Pope is expected to recite the traditional Angelus prayer from the window of his papal apartment in St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday. While histological tests regarding the tumor and lymph nodes are still ongoing, the Pope managed masses, held meetings with top advisors, and spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his hospital stay.