Pope Leo XIV Cleared to Leave Hospital After Lung Cancer Operation

Pope Leo XIV has been cleared to leave hospital and return to the Vatican on Saturday after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung.

The Vatican announced the 71-year-old pope’s discharge from Gemelli Hospital in Rome after doctors assessed his latest blood tests, chest X-ray and overall clinical condition.

In a medical note released by the Vatican, doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora said the pontiff was “fit for discharge”.

“Considering the blood tests, the chest X-ray done this morning, and evaluating the clinical picture, the Holy Father has been deemed fit for discharge,” they said.

The Vatican confirmed that Leo would leave the hospital in the early afternoon and return to the Vatican.

“He will leave the hospital in the early afternoon and return to the Vatican. Tomorrow he will recite the Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment,” the Vatican said.

The pope has been at the hospital since Tuesday, when surgeons removed part of his right lung to extract the cancerous growth.

The Angelus prayer is usually delivered from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St Peter’s Square. Former popes John Paul II and Francis, however, also gave the prayer from their hospital rooms while receiving treatment at Gemelli.

According to the Vatican press office, Leo celebrated Mass on Saturday in a room on the hospital’s 10th floor, as he has done in recent days.

Medical Tests to Determine Next Steps

The discovery and removal of a cancerous tumour from the lung of the otherwise healthy and sporty pope has caused concern among Vatican officials and Catholics worldwide.

Doctors have nevertheless said his recovery is proceeding normally. Further test results are expected to guide decisions about any additional treatment.

Leo has also begun taking part in some official business while recovering. On Friday, he telephoned Russian President Vladimir Putin to call for a ceasefire in Oleshky, a city in Russian-occupied Ukraine.

South America Trip Remains Uncertain

The pope’s planned trip to South America from November 6 to 17 remains uncertain. The itinerary is expected to include Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.

Leo spent 20 years as a missionary in Peru and is reportedly eager to make the journey. However, his doctors’ recommendations are likely to determine whether he can proceed with the visit.

All papal audiences have been cancelled until October 20.

Leo revealed last Sunday that a routine medical examination had detected a lung nodule that doctors advised should be removed. He made the announcement to the public in St Peter’s Square after the Angelus prayer.

Africans Angle News