Pope Leo XIV left Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following a surgical procedure to address a malignant tumor in his lung. The pontiff, 71 years old, departed the medical facility without assistance and acknowledged those gathered to welcome him. Medical personnel reported that diagnostic testing and imaging indicated positive developments in his recovery trajectory following the intervention.
The surgical procedure, performed on Tuesday and lasting 90 minutes, involved removal of a section of the Pope’s right lung. Additional testing to determine whether the cancer has disseminated to other areas of his body has not yet yielded publicly available results. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope performed religious services and administered sacraments to hospital personnel during his stay.
The pontiff is expected to carry out the customary Sunday blessing and prayer in St. Peter’s Square, marking his public return mere days after the operation. His medical team has recommended clearing his schedule through October 20. Among those expressing concern for his well-being are Catholics globally, who have monitored developments following his public announcement of the surgery the previous week.
During his recovery, the Pope engaged in diplomatic communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin, their first conversation since June 2025, with discussions centered on encouraging peaceful resolution and dialogue regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The pontiff advocated for a humanitarian pause in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshkiy to facilitate civilian evacuation and delivery of essential supplies.
Plans for a November journey to Latin America, which includes scheduled visits to Peru where he previously served in missionary work, remain under consideration pending assessment of his medical status and capacity for travel.
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