Pope Leo has been discharged from hospital in Rome and returned to the Vatican, four days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer.
The 71-year-old pontiff left Gemelli Hospital on Saturday afternoon, walking unaided to his waiting car and waving to well-wishers. He appeared cheerful in video released by the Vatican, smiling broadly as his black sport utility vehicle departed the hospital.
Before leaving, Leo stopped to speak with Varvara, a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl receiving cancer treatment in Italy. He also exchanged greetings with a group of Franciscan friars.
The pope underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
His doctors said on Saturday that he was fit to return home following satisfactory blood tests and chest imaging. They added that he could perform normal daily activities independently.
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Leo is expected to make his first public appearance since the surgery on Sunday, when he will lead the weekly prayers with pilgrims from his apartment overlooking St Peter’s Square at noon (1000 GMT).
The cancer diagnosis has raised questions about the future direction of his 17-month papacy, particularly given his reputation for maintaining an active schedule since his election in May 2025.
Although the surgery was completed successfully without complications, the Vatican has not disclosed the size of the tumour or whether the disease had spread to nearby lymph nodes, factors that could influence his prognosis.
South American Trip
The pope’s lead surgeon, Dr Stefano Margaritora, said Leo could make a full recovery within another 10 days, adding that there were no clinical reasons to cancel his planned visit to South America next month.
Speaking to the Vatican News website, Margaritora said the pontiff could undertake the long-distance journey involving air travel in about three weeks.
Leo is scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17, in what is expected to be one of the busiest papal trips in decades.
Margaritora said the tumour was discovered by chance during what he described as a routine abdominal examination.
Despite concerns expressed by some cardinals over his health, the Vatican indicated on Friday that the pope intended to maintain his official engagements.
In a sign of his continued diplomatic involvement, Leo spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, urging him to allow a ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies to Oleshky, a Ukrainian town under Russian control.
