By Princess Eugene Majuru | News of The South
Vatican City, 17 October 2026 — Pope Leo XIV has been discharged from hospital and returned to the Vatican just four days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, bringing relief to millions of Catholics around the world who have been following developments concerning the pontiff’s health. The 71-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church left Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday afternoon after doctors confirmed that his condition had improved sufficiently for him to continue recovering outside hospital. The Pope walked unaided towards his waiting vehicle, smiling and waving to well-wishers who had gathered outside the hospital.
His departure was greeted with applause and expressions of affection from supporters who had been praying for his recovery.
The Vatican confirmed that the operation had been successful and that the pontiff was able to carry out normal daily activities independently.
However, medical specialists are continuing to assess the cancer diagnosis and whether further treatment will be necessary.
Pope undergoes surgery to remove part of his lung
Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery on Tuesday, 13 October, after doctors discovered a suspicious growth in his right lung. The operation involved removing the lower lobe of the right lung, a procedure medically known as a lobectomy. Subsequent examinations confirmed that the growth was lung adenocarcinoma, one of the most common forms of lung cancer. The operation lasted approximately 90 minutes and was completed without complications. Doctors had initially anticipated that the Pope would remain in hospital for approximately one week. However, his recovery progressed sufficiently well for him to be discharged earlier than expected. His personal physician, Dr Luigi Carbone, and surgeon Professor Stefano Margaritora assessed his condition following blood tests and a chest X-ray on Saturday morning. The results confirmed that he was medically fit to leave hospital. Although his early discharge is encouraging, doctors have not yet established publicly whether the cancer had spread beyond the affected part of the lung. Further medical findings will be important in determining whether additional treatment is required.
Pope walks unaided and greets supporters
The Pope’s appearance outside Gemelli Hospital provided a reassuring moment for those who had been concerned about his condition. Dressed in white, the pontiff walked without assistance and acknowledged supporters who had gathered to see him. Before leaving, he also stopped to speak to a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl, Varvara, who has been receiving cancer treatment in Italy. The encounter highlighted the personal and humanitarian dimension of his hospital stay. Despite undergoing major surgery himself, the Pope took time to acknowledge another patient facing a serious illness. He later travelled back to Vatican City, where he was welcomed by supporters. His ability to walk independently and communicate with members of the public provided visible evidence of his progress, although doctors will continue monitoring his recovery.
Pope continues working despite hospital admission
Even while recovering from surgery, Pope Leo XIV remained involved in important Church and international affairs. On Friday, he held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. The Pope called for measures to allow essential supplies to reach civilians affected by the conflict, particularly in Russian-controlled areas. His intervention demonstrated the Vatican’s continuing diplomatic engagement in efforts to address the humanitarian consequences of the war. The pontiff also met senior Church officials and celebrated Mass during his hospital stay. Photographs released by the Vatican showed him standing at an altar wearing green liturgical vestments while conducting a religious service in a hospital chapel. During the Mass, he expressed appreciation for the medical professionals responsible for caring for patients. The images reassured many Catholics that their spiritual leader was recovering and continuing to fulfil some of his responsibilities.
Health concerns raise questions about future papal duties
Pope Leo XIV’s cancer diagnosis has prompted discussion about how his illness might affect his demanding schedule. As the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics worldwide, the Pope carries responsibilities extending far beyond Vatican City. His duties include leading religious ceremonies, meeting international leaders, appointing bishops, addressing global humanitarian issues and undertaking international visits. Such responsibilities can involve extensive travel, long working hours and demanding public engagements. Although his doctors have reported encouraging progress, recovery from lung surgery can require continued medical supervision. The Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has acknowledged that adjustments to the Pope’s schedule may be necessary depending on his health. The possibility of changes does not mean that the Pope is unable to continue leading the Church. Rather, it reflects the need to balance his responsibilities with medical advice.
Will Pope Leo travel to South America next month?
One of the most immediate questions concerns the Pope’s planned visit to South America in November. The Vatican has been preparing an ambitious journey scheduled for 6 to 17 November, including visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The trip is particularly significant because Pope Leo, who was born in the United States, also has longstanding connections with Peru, where he previously served as a missionary and bishop. The journey would involve numerous flights, public appearances, religious celebrations and meetings with political and Church leaders. Despite his recent operation, preparations for the visit have continued. The Vatican has released information concerning journalists accredited to accompany the Pope, indicating that planning remains active. However, whether the full programme proceeds will depend on his continued recovery and medical assessments.
A moment of reflection for the Catholic Church
Pope Leo XIV’s illness has also reminded Catholics of the human vulnerability of those who occupy positions of considerable religious authority. The papacy is one of the world’s most visible spiritual institutions, but the individual holding the office remains subject to the same health challenges faced by ordinary people. Throughout history, the Catholic Church has witnessed pontiffs continuing their ministries while managing serious illnesses. Pope John Paul II experienced prolonged health difficulties during the later years of his papacy, while Pope Francis faced repeated hospital admissions and respiratory problems. Their experiences demonstrated how the health of a pope can become an international concern, influencing the Church’s public activities and administrative arrangements. For Pope Leo XIV, the immediate priority remains recovery while maintaining an appropriate level of involvement in Vatican affairs.
Pope expected to address faithful on Sunday
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV is expected to lead the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday, 18 October, from the window of the papal apartment overlooking St Peter’s Square.
The appearance will mark his first scheduled public religious engagement following surgery. Thousands of Catholics and visitors are expected to follow the occasion, either in person or through international broadcasts. The Angelus is an important weekly moment during which the Pope offers prayers, reflections and blessings to the faithful. His return to this familiar tradition so soon after surgery will represent an encouraging milestone in his recovery. Nevertheless, medical specialists will continue monitoring his condition, particularly as further test results become available.
A hopeful return, but medical questions remain
The Pope’s discharge from hospital marks an important stage in his recovery, but it does not mean that his cancer treatment journey has necessarily ended. Doctors must still determine whether the disease was confined to the removed section of the lung and whether further treatment will be required. For now, the Vatican has emphasised the encouraging results of his surgery and subsequent recovery. His return comes at a time when the Catholic Church continues addressing major international concerns, including armed conflicts, poverty, migration and humanitarian crises. The Pope’s leadership remains important to millions who look to the Vatican for spiritual guidance and moral direction. As he prepares to resume public prayers on Sunday, attention will focus not only on his physical recovery but also on how his health may influence the months ahead. For millions of Catholics across the world, Pope Leo XIV’s return to the Vatican is a welcome development, offering hope and reassurance following a diagnosis that has brought renewed attention to the health of the Church’s spiritual leader.
Princess Eugene Majuru is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of News of The South.
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