Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday, October 17, four days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung, as his surgeon expressed confidence that he could recover in time for a planned trip to Latin America next month.
The 71-year-old pontiff was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after blood tests and chest imaging showed that his condition was stable enough for him to leave. He walked out of the hospital unaided, smiling and waving to well-wishers who had gathered to see him.
“I am much better, thank you,” Leo told reporters as he departed in a black vehicle for the Vatican.
His surgeon, Professor Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News that the pope’s recovery had progressed well and that he expected him to make a full physical recovery in about 10 days.
Asked whether the pontiff could undertake a demanding overseas journey in approximately three weeks, Margaritora said there were “no clinical reasons” preventing the trip from proceeding.
The surgery on Tuesday involved removing the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung after doctors discovered a suspicious spot during routine medical examinations. The procedure confirmed that the tumour was an adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer.
Margaritora said the tumour had been detected by chance and that Leo had not experienced respiratory symptoms before the discovery. The operation proceeded without complications.
Further laboratory tests are being conducted on the tumour and nearby lymph nodes to determine whether additional treatment will be necessary. The Vatican has not disclosed the full results of those examinations.
Pope Plans Gradual Return to Duties
Despite his relatively quick discharge, Leo is expected to resume his public responsibilities gradually while continuing his recovery.
He had continued some work during his hospital stay, including meetings with senior aides and a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also celebrated Mass in a makeshift chapel at the hospital.
On Sunday, October 18, the pope made his first public appearance since surgery, addressing thousands of people gathered in St Peter’s Square from a window of the Apostolic Palace.
He thanked people around the world for their prayers and said he would gradually return to his usual activities.
The Vatican had cancelled his scheduled audiences until at least October 20 to allow him time to recover.
November Visit to South America Remains on Schedule
Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. The trip will involve numerous flights and helicopter journeys, including visits to locations at high altitudes.
The planned journey is particularly significant in Peru, where Leo spent many years as a missionary and bishop before becoming pope.
His health concerns had raised questions about whether he would be able to complete the itinerary, but his surgeon’s assessment has offered reassurance that the visit remains medically possible.
However, doctors are still awaiting further test results that will help determine whether the pope requires additional treatment. His recovery and medical needs will therefore remain important considerations as the Vatican prepares for the trip.
For now, Leo’s return to the Vatican marks an encouraging step following the surgery, although his medical team continues to monitor his progress before he resumes a full schedule.
