Pope Leo XIV is recovering well from lung cancer surgery and is expected to leave hospital on Saturday afternoon, the Vatican has said, after tests found him fit to return home.
The 71-year-old pontiff also spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, urging a ceasefire in Oleshky, in Ukraine’s Kherson region, to allow humanitarian aid and the safe evacuation of civilians.
The Vatican said Leo expressed “deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation” in the city and reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to promoting dialogue and peace.
Mr Putin voiced support for the Vatican’s efforts to improve the safety of local people and deliver essential supplies, with both sides agreeing to coordinate their work, according to the statement.
Leo underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors identified a suspected cancerous nodule. The operation confirmed that he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
A medical update said his recovery was continuing to improve and that he was able to carry out his normal daily activities independently. Doctors are still awaiting tests to establish the precise molecular and genetic characteristics of the cancer, whether it has spread and whether further treatment will be needed.
The Vatican released the first images of the Pope since the operation, showing him celebrating Mass in a makeshift chapel at the hospital. He has not appeared in public since the procedure but is due to lead the weekly prayers in St Peter’s Square at midday on Sunday.
The Vatican also published the names of journalists accredited to accompany Leo on a planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. His ability to make the trip remains subject to change, but the publication of the list suggested preparations were continuing.
