Pope Leo XIV to be discharged from hospital after successful lung cancer surgery today
Pope Leo XIV is set to be discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital following successful surgery to remove a cancerous lung nodule. The 71-year-old pontiff is expected to resume public duties shortly and maintains plans for an upcoming trip to Latin America.
Why it matters
The health of the head of the Catholic Church is a matter of significant global interest, particularly regarding his ability to fulfill international diplomatic and religious commitments.
Pope Leo XIV is set to leave hospital on Saturday afternoon, four days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, with doctors declaring him fit for discharge following blood tests, a chest X-ray and an assessment of his condition, the Vatican said.The 71-year-old pontiff will deliver the traditional noon blessing from a window overlooking St Peter's Square on Sunday, his first public engagement since being admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital.Leo underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors detected a suspected cancerous nodule. The procedure confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.In a statement, his personal physician and surgeon said the pope was “deemed fit for discharge from the hospital” based on Saturday morning's test results and an assessment of his clinical condition.Since the operation, Leo has shown signs of a steady recovery.
Also covering this story
7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Pope Leo, pictured for first time since surgery, calls Putin
Pope's recovery on track after surgery, Vatican says
Bishops conclude Vatican family meeting as Pope Leo XIV recovers in hospital
Putin Agrees To Cooperate With Pope Leo's Plea For Aid For Ukrainian Town
Pope pictured for first time since surgery and cancer diagnosis
Pope Leo speaks with Putin from hospital, just days after lung cancer surgery
Shape of Pope Leo's papacy more uncertain after cancer diagnosis
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in