Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican after spending five days in hospital following surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung.
The 71-year-old pontiff was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, where he had been receiving treatment since Tuesday. He was greeted with cheers and applause from well-wishers as he left the medical facility.
In a medical report released by the Vatican, doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora confirmed that the Pope was fit to leave the hospital after reviewing his blood test results, chest X-ray and overall condition.
The Vatican also announced that Leo would recite the Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment. The prayer is traditionally delivered by the Pope overlooking St Peter’s Square, although previous pontiffs have also recited it from their hospital rooms while receiving treatment.
Before his discharge, Leo celebrated Mass in a room on the hospital’s 10th floor, continuing a practice he had maintained during his recovery.
Pope’s Recovery Draws Support From Well-Wishers
News of the cancerous tumour and the surgery has raised concern among Catholics worldwide, with the Pope’s health attracting attention from the Vatican and the wider international community.
Among those wishing him a speedy recovery was 12-year-old Ukrainian girl Varvara Struck, who said she had met Leo in Rome last year.
Varvara, who previously battled cancer, recalled that the Pope had blessed her and expressed hope that he would also overcome his illness.
“With his support, I’ve now overcome my illness, and I want to give him my positive energy so that he, too, can overcome his illness as quickly as possible,” she said.
Doctors have described the Pope’s recovery as progressing normally, although they are awaiting test results that will help determine the next steps in his treatment.
Despite his recent health challenges, Leo has resumed some official duties. On Friday, he reportedly spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
Pope’s Upcoming Travels Remain Uncertain
The Pope’s recovery has also raised questions about his planned visit to South America from November 6 to 17. The proposed trip includes Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, where Leo spent two decades as a missionary.
Vatican observers say the pontiff is keen to undertake the journey, but his participation will likely depend on medical advice and the progress of his recovery.
Leo has cancelled all his public audiences until October 20 as he continues recuperating.
He had announced the discovery of the lung nodule to the public last Sunday after the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, explaining that a routine medical examination had revealed the growth and doctors recommended its removal.
His discharge from hospital marks an important stage in his recovery, although further medical assessments are expected to guide decisions about his treatment and upcoming engagements.
