17.10.2026 18:20
There is reassuring news from Pope Leo XIV, who underwent surgery for lung cancer. The 71-year-old Pope, who was being treated at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, was discharged after the operation. As the Pope returned to the Vatican, attention is focused on statements to be made regarding the spread of the cancer and the subsequent treatment process, while the spiritual leader of Catholics will appear in public for the first time on Sunday.
Pope Leo XIV, who was diagnosed with lung cancer, was discharged from the hospital four days after surgery and returned to the Vatican. It was reported that after examinations, the 71-year-old Pope's health condition was suitable for discharge. The Pope is expected to attend his first public program after surgery on Sunday, October 18.
PART OF HIS RIGHT LUNG WAS REMOVED DURING SURGERY
Pope Leo XIV, leader of the Catholic world at the Vatican, underwent surgery on October 13 at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Doctors confirmed that a cancerous tumor was found during the operation in which they removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The Pope was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, one of the most common types of lung cancer.
It was reported that the surgery lasted about 90 minutes and no complications occurred.
DISCHARGE DECISION WAS MADE AFTER EXAMINATIONS
The Pope's personal physician, Luigi Carbone, and the surgeon who performed the operation, Stefano Margaritora, announced that discharge was deemed appropriate after blood tests and a chest X-ray performed on the morning of October 17.
As he left the hospital, the Pope walked to his vehicle and greeted those waiting for him. He then returned to the Vatican.
IT IS NOT YET KNOWN WHETHER THE CANCER HAS SPREAD
While it was stated that the Pope's post-surgery recovery process is progressing positively, details regarding whether the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues and whether additional treatment is needed have not yet been disclosed. The results of further examinations are awaited in order to make a definitive assessment of the course of the disease.
HE WILL APPEAR BEFORE THE PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME ON SUNDAY
Pope Leo XIV is planned to carry out his first public program after being discharged from the hospital on Sunday, October 18. The Pope is expected to lead the traditional Angelus prayer for the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square from the window of the papal apartment at the Vatican.