Pope Leo XIV returns to Vatican four days after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV left Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Saturday 17 October 2026 and returned to the Vatican. He is 71.

On Tuesday, surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The operation lasted about 90 minutes. Tissue examined afterwards confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.

His personal physician, Luigi Carbone, and surgeon Stefano Margaritora issued a statement published by the Vatican. The Guardian quoted it as saying: "Considering the blood tests, the chest X-ray done this morning, and evaluating the clinical picture, the Holy Father has been deemed fit for discharge." Doctors said he could carry out normal daily activities independently.

The pope walked out without physical support and greeted well-wishers. As he was driven away, he said he was feeling better. DW quoted him as saying: "I am better, thank you." Al Jazeera reported he said he was feeling much better.

The Vatican had first estimated a stay or recovery of about one week, so the discharge came earlier than expected. His appointments and audiences had been cancelled until 20 October. The Vatican said he would recite the Angelus on Sunday 18 October from the window of the papal apartment. It would be his first public engagement since the surgery.

In hospital, he celebrated Mass, met senior aides and thanked staff. On Friday, he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He called for a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, in the Kherson region, to allow aid deliveries and civilian evacuation.

According to DW, he is having physiotherapy to help him breathe more easily. NPR reported that surgeons used a video-assisted technique.

Results of tests on whether the cancer has spread, and whether more treatment is needed, had not been announced at the time of reporting. According to DW, doctors have not disclosed the size of the tumour. NPR reported that the pope told crowds in St Peter's Square last Sunday that doctors had found a "localized nodule" in his lung at a "very early stage."

What is disputed

Outlets describe the Mass location differently: his own room (the Guardian), a room on the 10th floor (NPR, France 24), or a hospital chapel (Al Jazeera, Daily Sabah). Reports of the Latin America trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru also vary. The Guardian, France 24 and Daily Sabah give 6 to 17 November. The BBC and NPR say early November. Al Jazeera says mid-November.

What each side says

The Guardian reported that Dr Margaritora told Vatican News there were "no clinical reasons" to prevent the trip. According to the BBC, people close to the pope say he is keen not to delay it. Dr Vin Gupta, who is not involved in his care, told NPR that using surgery first was "a really good sign". The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not include the Kremlin's account of the call.

Analysis

The early discharge and the doctors' statements point to a smooth short-term recovery. The main open question is medical. Pending tests on possible spread will shape whether further treatment is needed. That, in turn, may affect the Latin America trip, which involves 12 flights and two helicopter trips, according to Al Jazeera and Daily Sabah. Several scenarios remain possible. The trip could proceed as planned, be shortened or be postponed. Independent doctors quoted by NPR and Daily Sabah gave general recovery and flight timelines. They are not involved in his care, so their views cannot confirm the pope's own outlook.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.