Pope Leo XIV is set to leave Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Saturday following a successful surgery to remove a cancerous nodule from his right lung. The Vatican announced that the 71-year-old pontiff will make his first public appearance post-surgery by leading the Angelus prayer from the papal apartment at St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday.
A statement from the Holy See Press confirmed his discharge, stating, “Following the conclusions reached by the medical team this morning, Pope Leo XIV will be discharged today.” He is expected to return to the Vatican in the early afternoon.
His doctor, Dr. Luigi Carbone, along with Dr. Stefano Margaritora from the thoracic surgery department, declared the pope fit for discharge after evaluating blood tests and a chest X-ray. So far, there has been no indication from his medical team of further treatment being necessary, nor has there been information about potential cancer spread.
Leo, who hails from Chicago, had resumed his work from the hospital earlier in the week, and images released by the Vatican depicted him celebrating Mass within the hospital premises, showing signs of recovery. The pontiff’s health has drawn global attention, particularly as he prepares for an upcoming apostolic visit to Peru.
Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori expressed her well-wishes, stating that millions in Peru are praying for his speedy recovery. The pope’s diagnosis involved adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer, detected during a routine health check.
The surgery, led by Dr. Margaritora, was marked by the medical staff reciting prayers in the hospital chapel before the procedure began, reflecting the deep spiritual context surrounding the pope’s health challenges.
Photo credit: Alberto Pizzoli
