Saturday, October 17, 2026 - Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican after spending just four days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following surgery for lung cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff was discharged on Saturday, October 17, 2026, after doctors assessed his blood tests, chest X-ray and overall condition.
Smiling and walking without assistance, he greeted well-wishers before leaving the hospital, offering reassurance to Catholics and people around the world concerned about his health. When asked how he was feeling, the pope replied, “I am much better, thank you.”
The operation, performed on Tuesday, involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors identified a cancerous growth. Medical assessments confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer, and the Vatican reported that the surgery was successful without complications.
Although his recovery has progressed well enough to allow an early discharge, doctors are still awaiting further test results to determine whether the cancer has spread and whether additional treatment will be necessary.
Attention now turns to Pope Leo’s return to public duties, with the pontiff expected to lead the traditional Angelus prayer from the Vatican on Sunday, October 18. His medical team will continue monitoring his recovery as preparations remain underway for a planned Latin American tour in November.
His early return to the Vatican offers encouraging news, but his long-term health outlook will depend on further medical findings. Catholics worldwide will be watching closely for updates as the head of the Catholic Church continues his recovery.
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