Pope Leo XIV To Leave Hospital Saturday After Lung Cancer Surgery
Pope Leo XIV, 71, will leave Gemelli Hospital in the early afternoon on Saturday after undergoing surgery to remove part of his right lung for lung cancer, the Vatican said.[1]
His physician and surgeon cleared him for discharge after blood tests, a chest X-ray and a clinical assessment performed Saturday morning.[1] The Vatican said he will recite the Angelus prayer from the papal apartment window on Sunday after he returns to the Vatican.[1]
Earlier this week, Leo underwent a partial removal of his right lung after doctors diagnosed him with lung cancer.[1] On Friday he held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the humanitarian situation in Oleshky, Ukraine.[1] The Vatican has also published the list of journalists accredited to travel with him to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru as preparations continue for a South America trip.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the Vatican said Pope Leo XIV will leave Gemelli Hospital in the early afternoon and return to the Vatican.
- Leo, age 71, had a portion of his right lung removed earlier in the week after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
- His physician and surgeon cleared him for discharge based on blood tests, a chest X-ray and clinical assessment performed Saturday morning.
- The Vatican said he will recite the Angelus prayer from the papal apartment window on Sunday following his return.
- Leo held a phone call Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the humanitarian situation in Oleshky, Ukraine.
- The Vatican has moved ahead with preparations for a South America trip by publishing the list of journalists accredited to fly with him to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
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