Pope Leo XIV has been discharged from the hospital four days after lung cancer surgery. He will join in prayers and deliver the Sunday blessing from St. Peter's Basilica.
On Saturday, 17 Oct 2026, 71-year-old Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Gemelli Hospital in Rome, four days after lung cancer surgery. He walked out unassisted, greeted supporters, and received a doll from a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl who came to offer encouragement.
Pope Leo was admitted on Tuesday, 13 Oct, to have a tumor removed. Doctors decided to remove the entire lower right lung lobe to eliminate risk completely after tests confirmed he had pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
After four days at the hospital, doctors reviewed his blood work and X-rays and approved his discharge. He is scheduled to give the Sunday blessing from the window of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
News of Pope Leo's illness shocked Christians worldwide, as this is his first health issue since his appointment as pope in May 2025. Until now, he appeared healthy and exercised regularly.
While hospitalized, Pope Leo continued working, meeting with cardinals and speaking by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the plight of people in Oleshky, southern Ukraine.
Pope Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru—countries where he served as missionary and bishop for many years—between 6 and 17 November. However, the Vatican remains cautious, awaiting further health assessments before deciding whether to proceed, postpone, or cancel the trip.
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Source:cnn