Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital this Saturday afternoon, marking a swift recovery just four days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous lung growth.
According to the Vatican, the Pope intends to lead the traditional Angelus prayer and offer his blessing to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. This follows his unexpected announcement regarding the surgery during last week’s gathering.
On Friday, the Vatican released images showing the Pope celebrating Mass and administering communion to the hospital staff.
Medical officials stated that recent blood tests and chest X-rays indicate “steady improvement” in his condition following the procedure.
The 90-minute operation, performed on Tuesday, involved the removal of the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung. Results from additional diagnostic tests to determine if the cancer has metastasized have not yet been disclosed.
Amidst his recovery, the Pope held a telephone conversation on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, their first direct communication since June 2025. The Vatican noted that the purpose of the call was to advocate for “dialogue and peace.”
This diplomatic effort coincides with an escalation of Russian bombardments across Ukrainian cities, resulting in increased civilian casualties and no apparent sign of a cessation of the invasion.
Furthermore, the Pope has called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshkiy, which remains under constant shelling. He urged for the safe evacuation of civilians and the immediate delivery of essential food and medicine, following reports that residents have been reduced to eating garden weeds to survive.
While the Pope’s official calendar has been cleared until October 20, his imminent public appearance is expected to provide significant reassurance to the global Catholic community.
Sources close to the Pontiff indicate he is eager to proceed with his planned trip to Latin America in early November, which includes a visit to Peru, where he served as a missionary for many years.
It remains uncertain whether he will be fully fit for international travel or if additional medical treatments will be required.
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