Pope Leo returns to Vatican after lung surgery as surgeon assesses November trip
Pope Leo XIV left a Rome hospital four days after surgery for lung cancer. His surgeon sees no current clinical reason to prevent a planned Latin America trip, but further test results are pending.
Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Saturday, 17 October, four days after surgery for lung cancer. His discharge brings him back ahead of a planned November visit to Latin America, although doctors are still awaiting results that could shape his treatment.
The 71-year-old pope had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday. The operation confirmed adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. He left earlier than the week-long hospital stay the Vatican had initially anticipated.
Doctors deemed him fit for discharge after reviewing blood tests, a chest X-ray and his clinical condition, according to a Vatican statement reported by PA. As he left the hospital, Leo told people asking about his health: ‘I am much better, thank you,’ according to the Associated Press.
Surgeon’s assessment of the Latin America trip
His surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News there were ‘no clinical reasons’ to prevent the planned 6–17 November trip, according to AP. Margaritora said he expected the pope to recover fully from surgery in roughly another 10 days.
The itinerary covers Uruguay, Peru and Argentina and involves about a dozen flights and two helicopter rides, AP reported. The journey is due to begin less than three weeks after his discharge, making his recovery significant for a schedule that includes repeated air travel.
Doctors are awaiting tests to establish the cancer’s molecular and genetic characteristics, whether it has spread beyond the removed lobe and whether further treatment is needed, PA reported. Those questions remain open alongside the surgeon’s assessment of his fitness to travel.
Sunday blessing planned at St Peter’s Square
The Vatican said Leo would deliver the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer on 18 October from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square, according to PA. It would be his next announced public appearance after leaving Gemelli, where well-wishers greeted him outside the hospital.
The return follows a week in which the Vatican cancelled his audiences through 20 October. PA also reported that the Vatican had published the names of journalists accredited to travel on the papal plane for the November visit.
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Sources and context
- Pope returns to Vatican days after surgery; surgeon says he should be fit for Latin America tourAssociated Press, carried by PBS NewsHour
- Pope Leo returns to Vatican four days after lung cancer surgeryFRANCE 24
- Pope Leo returns to Vatican after lung cancer surgeryRTÉ News, source credit PA
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.