Pope Leo to Leave Hospital After Lung Cancer Surgery

The Vatican says the 71-year-old pontiff has been declared fit for discharge after surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung.

Pope Leo XIV is expected to return to the Vatican on Saturday after doctors declared him fit for discharge following surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung.

The 71-year-old pontiff has been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since Tuesday. According to the Vatican, his recovery has been progressing normally, although doctors are awaiting further test results to determine the next steps in his treatment.

In a medical statement published by the Vatican, doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora said the decision to discharge the Pope followed an assessment of his blood tests, chest X-ray and overall clinical condition.

“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,” the doctors said.

The Vatican confirmed that the Pope would leave the hospital in the early afternoon and return to his residence.

Pope to Recite Angelus Prayer from Vatican

Following his discharge, Pope Leo XIV is expected to recite the Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment on Sunday.

The Angelus is traditionally delivered by the Pope from the Apostolic Palace overlooking St Peter’s Square. However, previous pontiffs, including John Paul II and Francis, have also delivered the prayer from their hospital rooms during periods of medical treatment.

The Vatican said Leo had continued to celebrate Mass during his hospital stay, including on Saturday in a room on the hospital’s 10th floor.

Medical Recovery and Further Treatment

News of the cancerous tumour and the surgery has drawn international attention, prompting concern among Catholics and observers of the Vatican.

Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, the medical team has indicated that the Pope’s recovery is progressing as expected. Further test results are expected to guide decisions about any additional treatment.

Leo had announced last Sunday, after the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, that a routine medical examination had revealed a nodule that doctors recommended should be removed.

The Pope has since resumed some official duties. According to the supplied report, he spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, urging a ceasefire in Oleshky, a city in Russian-occupied Ukraine.

Planned South American Visit in Doubt

Uncertainty remains over the Pope’s planned visit to South America from November 6 to 17, which is expected to include Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.

Leo spent two decades as a missionary in Peru, making the proposed visit particularly significant. However, the final decision is likely to depend on medical advice and the progress of his recovery.

The Vatican has also announced the cancellation of the Pope’s audiences through October 20 as he continues his recovery.

For now, his discharge from hospital marks an important stage in his recovery, although further medical assessments will help determine his treatment and schedule in the coming weeks.

Source : Vanguard