Pope Leo XIV is expected to leave the hospital and return to the Vatican on October 17, the Holy See has announced, bringing reassuring news to Catholics and followers around the world who have been monitoring the pontiff’s health.
The announcement marks an important development following the Pope’s recent hospitalization. His return to the Vatican is expected to allow him to continue his recovery while remaining under medical supervision and gradually resume his responsibilities as head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Holy See’s confirmation is particularly significant because any interruption to the Pope’s activities draws international attention, given his central role in leading the Church and addressing millions of Catholics worldwide.
Although his planned discharge is encouraging, returning to the Vatican does not necessarily mean that he will immediately resume his full schedule. His medical condition, recovery progress and doctors’ recommendations will remain important factors in determining when he can return to his usual public engagements.
The Pope’s recovery has reportedly progressed faster than initially anticipated. Doctors had previously expected him to remain at Gemelli Hospital for approximately a week, but his improving condition allowed them to approve an earlier discharge.
According to Reuters, blood tests and chest imaging conducted on Saturday, October 17, showed that the Pope was medically fit to leave the hospital. His surgery took place on October 13, when doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung after identifying a cancerous growth.
The procedure was completed successfully without reported complications. Subsequent medical assessments also indicated that his postoperative recovery was progressing normally.
However, the circumstances surrounding his hospitalization remain a major concern. Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. Doctors have not publicly disclosed the tumour’s size or whether cancer cells had spread to nearby lymph nodes. These details are important in determining his longer-term medical outlook.
Despite his health challenges, the Pope has continued carrying out selected responsibilities. While recovering at Gemelli Hospital, he celebrated Mass in a specially prepared room and held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and called for a ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian assistance.
Vatican News confirmed that Pope Leo would return to the Vatican on Saturday afternoon. He is also expected to lead the traditional Angelus prayer from the window of his papal apartment overlooking St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, October 18. This will mark his first scheduled public engagement following the operation.
His upcoming international commitments are also attracting attention. The Vatican has indicated that preparations are continuing for his planned November 6–17 visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, although his medical condition could influence the final schedule.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, has acknowledged that adjustments to the Pope’s activities may become necessary depending on his health.
For now, the decision to discharge Pope Leo represents an encouraging milestone in his recovery. Nevertheless, his return to the Vatican should not be mistaken for a complete recovery, as doctors will continue monitoring his condition and the results of further medical examinations.
For millions of Catholics worldwide, his return brings renewed hope. But questions about his cancer diagnosis, future treatment and ability to maintain his demanding papal schedule remain unanswered.
Sources for factual verification: Reuters, Vatican News, Associated Press and Al Jazeera.
