Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to leave Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday afternoon, marking a swift recovery less than a week after his diagnosis. The Vatican confirmed the Pope will resume public duties by leading the traditional Angelus prayer and blessing in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
This return to public life comes as a relief to Catholics worldwide, especially given the sudden nature of his health announcement last week. Medical staff released photographs on Friday showing the Pope celebrating Mass and distributing communion to hospital workers, signaling his continued engagement with his duties despite recent medical procedures.
Medical Recovery and Surgical Details
The surgery, which took place on Tuesday, lasted approximately 90 minutes. According to the Vatican, the procedure involved the removal of the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung to address a cancerous growth. A statement from his medical team indicated that blood tests and chest X-rays show “steady improvement” following the operation.
While the immediate outlook appears positive, the Vatican has not yet released results from further tests designed to check for any signs that the cancer has spread. The Pope’s schedule has been cleared through October 20, allowing for a period of rest before his next major public appearance.
Continued Diplomatic Engagement
Despite his medical condition, the Pope has maintained contact with global leaders. On Friday, he held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This marked their first direct communication since June 2025. The Vatican described the purpose of the call as urging “dialogue and peace” amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The discussion occurred as Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities intensifies, leading to rising civilian casualties. The Pope has previously called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the occupied city of Oleshkiy, where residents face severe shortages of food and medicine. Reports from the BBC have highlighted the desperate conditions in the region, with some civilians forced to forage for garden weeds to survive.
Future Travel Plans
Those close to the Pope indicate a strong desire to proceed with a planned trip to Latin America in early November. The itinerary includes a visit to Peru, a country where the Pope served as a missionary for many years. However, it remains unclear whether he will be physically fit to travel or if he will require additional treatment before departing Rome.
The decision to discharge the Pope so soon after surgery is unusual and has been viewed as a positive sign by observers. His ability to appear in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday will likely provide a significant morale boost to the global Catholic community during this period of uncertainty.
Source: BBC
