Pope Leo XIV Leaves Gemelli Hospital Four Days After Lung Surgery, His Calendar Cleared Until October 20
The Pope left the hospital in Rome on October 17, and doctors reported a “lasting improvement” after the surgery; results of follow-up tests have not been released.
Pope Leo XIV on October 17, four days after surgery, left the Gemelli hospital in Rome, Mediapool reports. The 71-year-old head of the Catholic Church walked to the waiting car without help and stopped to greet well-wishers. The operation was on Tuesday, lasted 90 minutes and, according to reports, removed the lower lobe of his right lung because of a cancerous growth.
Doctors said blood tests and a chest X-ray show a “lasting improvement” after the surgery. Results of follow-up tests that determine whether the cancer has spread have not been released. On October 16, according to photographs, he celebrated Mass and gave communion to hospital staff.
The Vatican schedule is cleared until October 20. He is expected to lead the Angelus prayer and give a blessing in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. He reportedly wants to keep his planned trip in early November through Latin America, including Peru, where he was a missionary for many years; it is unclear whether his health will allow it or whether additional treatment will be needed.
Ahead of his discharge, on October 16, the Pope spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, their first contact since June 2025. The Vatican said the aim of the call was to urge dialogue and peace. We reported earlier news on the illness and surgery; this text contains only the confirmed data on his recovery, while there is no official information on the prognosis or further treatment.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · October 18, 2026
