Pope Leo XIV has left Rome’s Gemelli hospital and returned to the Vatican, four days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer.
The 71-year-old pontiff walked out of the hospital on Saturday and entered a waiting vehicle, as dozens of well-wishers gathered to greet him. He had been admitted for an operation to remove a suspected cancerous nodule from the lower lobe of his right lung.
Doctors confirmed that the growth was adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. The diagnosis was established during Tuesday’s procedure, which removed the affected section of the lung.
In a statement, Leo’s personal physician, Dr Luigi Carbone, and thoracic surgeon Professor Stefano Margaritora said the Pope had been deemed fit to leave after blood tests, a chest X-ray and an assessment of his clinical condition.
The Vatican said Leo would celebrate Mass in the hospital chapel before departing. He is also due to lead the Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment on Sunday.
Pope Leo XIV’s recovery after lung cancer surgery
The Pope has shown signs of a strong recovery since the operation. While in hospital, he held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, met senior aides and celebrated Mass in a temporary chapel on the hospital’s 10th floor.
Vatican medical bulletins said he had been able to carry out normal daily activities without assistance. Images released on Friday showed him standing at an altar in green vestments as he led a service attended by medical staff and Vatican gendarmes.
Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman, said Leo thanked hospital workers for caring for patients in vulnerable circumstances and for the treatment he had received.
Further tests are expected to establish the precise molecular and genetic characteristics of the cancer, whether it has spread beyond the removed lung lobe and whether additional treatment will be needed.
The Pope is due to travel to Latin America from November 6 to 17, a trip involving numerous flights and helicopter journeys. The Vatican has already published the names of journalists accredited to accompany him, although his ability to make the journey will depend on his continued recovery.
