Pope Leo XIV has been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital four days after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung following a diagnosis of lung cancer.
The pontiff left the hospital on Saturday, October 17, 2026, after doctors determined that his condition had improved sufficiently for him to return to the Vatican.
His discharge came earlier than initially anticipated, offering a positive development for Catholics and others following updates on the health of the head of the Roman Catholic Church.
According to reports, the operation involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung to treat a cancerous growth identified as lung adenocarcinoma.
The 71-year-old Pope appeared in good spirits as he left the hospital, walking without assistance and greeting people gathered outside the facility.
Medical assessments reportedly included blood tests, a chest X-ray and a review of his overall clinical condition before doctors approved his discharge.
The operation was described as successful, although the full extent of the disease and the details of his longer-term medical follow-up were not publicly disclosed in the reports reviewed.
Reuters
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Early Discharge After Surgery
Pope Leo underwent the procedure at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, a medical facility that has treated several recent pontiffs.
His discharge four days after surgery was earlier than the initial projections, with doctors judging that he was sufficiently well to continue his recovery outside the hospital.
The Pope’s return to the Vatican was welcomed by supporters who had been following updates on his condition.
Although leaving hospital represents an encouraging milestone, discharge does not necessarily mean that recovery is complete. Continued medical supervision and adherence to doctors’ instructions remain important following major surgery.
The Vatican’s updates on his condition are therefore expected to remain significant as the pontiff resumes his responsibilities.
Vatican Schedule and Public Duties
Before his discharge, questions had emerged about the potential effect of the Pope’s health on his public engagements and responsibilities.
Reports indicated that he was expected to lead the Sunday Angelus prayer from his Vatican residence on October 18, subject to his recovery and medical guidance.
His schedule also included a planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17, 2026.
Whether all planned engagements would proceed as scheduled would depend on his recovery and any subsequent medical advice.
The Pope’s responsibilities include leading the Catholic Church’s global activities, meeting religious and political leaders and delivering public messages on faith, peace and international affairs.
His health is therefore closely followed by Catholics and observers around the world.
Global Attention on the Pope’s Recovery
Pope Leo XIV, elected in May 2025, became the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church.
His discharge after surgery is a significant development for the Vatican as it balances the Pope’s recovery with the demands of his office.
While the early discharge offers grounds for cautious optimism, the longer-term outlook will depend on his medical progress and the guidance of his doctors.
For now, the immediate focus remains on recovery, follow-up care and the gradual resumption of public duties where medically appropriate.
The Vatican’s subsequent updates should provide greater clarity about the Pope’s condition and the extent to which his schedule may need to be adjusted.