Pope Leo XIV discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital four days after lung cancer surgery. The 71-year-old walked unaided to his car, signaling a successful recovery. The Vatican confirmed the operation, which removed a cancerous growth from his lung, and announced his public engagement schedule.
The surgery, which took 90 minutes, involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. Doctors confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. The Pope will lead prayers in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, marking his first public appearance since the procedure. Further tests to check for cancer spread are pending.
The Vatican has cleared the Pope's schedule until October 20, allowing him to focus on planned trips to Latin America. While his health remains a concern, the Pope's doctors have reported steady improvement. The Pope's health and future medical needs remain under scrutiny as he prepares for an November trip to Peru.
The Pope's health and the potential for further treatment are still under evaluation. The Vatican has not disclosed the size of the tumor or whether the cancer has spread, leaving the prognosis uncertain.