Pope Leo XIV returns to Vatican after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday after leaving Rome’s Gemelli hospital, four days after lung cancer surgery. The 71-year-old greeted patients before walking unaided to his waiting vehicle, with well-wishers gathered outside. His surgeon accompanied him to the hospital entrance.

The Vatican had initially expected a hospital stay of a week, but he was discharged earlier following a satisfactory recovery. Medical bulletins said he could carry out normal daily activities independently. The Vatican said he was expected to deliver Sunday’s Angelus blessing from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square.

Tuesday’s operation removed the lower lobe of his right lung and confirmed lung cancer. Doctors are awaiting further results to establish the cancer’s precise characteristics, whether it has spread beyond the removed lobe and whether more treatment is needed. Those questions remain unresolved despite his discharge.

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to leave Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic on Saturday following surgery on his right lung. His medical team said doctors had assessed him as fit to leave the hospital.

Dr. Luigi Carbone and Prof. Stefano Margaritora said their discharge assessment followed blood tests and a chest X-ray performed that morning. Their statement also cited an evaluation of the pope's clinical condition.

Leo was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma. The Lung Cancer Foundation of America identifies it as the most common subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, accounting for roughly 40% of all lung cancer cases.

The American Cancer Society explains that lung adenocarcinoma starts in mucus-producing cells called epithelial cells. These cells line the surface of the lungs.

The medical team's statement also sets out a public engagement for Sunday: the pope is to recite the Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment.

The Vatican said the pope had already resumed work activities on Thursday. That return to work came just days after he underwent the operation.

Pope Leo XIV cleared for Saturday discharge after lung surgery

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