Pope Leo XIV Set for Discharge Four Days After Lung Cancer Surgery

What changed

Pope Leo XIV is due to leave Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday afternoon, four days after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung because of cancer. Doctors said blood tests and a chest X-ray showed “steady improvement,” and the Vatican said he will give the Angelus prayer and blessing in St Peter’s Square on Sunday.

The 90-minute operation took place on Tuesday. Tests checking whether the cancer has spread have not yet been announced.

Why it matters

A quick return to public view is encouraging, but it is not the same as a full medical clearance. The Pope’s schedule has been emptied through 20 October, and it remains uncertain whether he will need further treatment or be fit for a planned Latin America trip in early November, including a visit to Peru.

His recovery is already intersecting with his public duties. On Friday, he celebrated Mass and distributed communion to hospital staff. He also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging “dialogue and peace,” and called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Oleshkiy to allow evacuations and deliveries of food and medicine.

Sunday’s appearance will therefore show that Leo can resume a visible role, but the next medical test results and his ability to maintain that pace will matter more than a single blessing in the square.