Pope Leo to leave hospital Saturday following lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV is set to return to the Vatican earlier than anticipated, leaving the hospital on Saturday, October 17, 2026, following an operation to treat lung cancer, according to announcements from the Vatican. The departure comes just four days after the pontiff underwent surgery, beating initial projections that estimated a weeklong hospital stay.

His personal physician and surgeon stated that the 71-year-old pope was deemed fit for discharge based on blood test results and a chest X-ray performed on Saturday morning, alongside an overall assessment of his clinical condition. Vatican officials confirmed he would leave the hospital in the early afternoon.

Diagnosis and Surgical Details

The medical intervention took place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of Pope Leo's right lung after medical tests detected a suspicious nodule. Laboratory analysis subsequently confirmed the growth was adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.

With notable transparency, the pope had announced the finding himself to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, October 11, 2026, informing them that the nodule would be removed. Ahead of the procedure, the prefecture of the papal household had cancelled public audiences and events through Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni noted throughout the week that the exact discharge date remained entirely up to the pope's medical team.

Date	Event
Sunday, October 11, 2026	Pope Leo publicly announces his lung nodule in St. Peter's Square.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026	Undergoes surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung; adenocarcinoma confirmed.
Friday, October 16, 2026	Celebrates Mass in hospital chapel; Vatican releases first post-surgery images.
Saturday, October 17, 2026	Cleared for discharge by doctors following morning X-ray and blood tests.
Sunday, October 18, 2026	Scheduled to deliver the traditional noon Angelus blessing from the papal apartment window.
November 6–17, 2026	Planned apostolic journey to Latin America.

Postoperative Recovery and Chapel Mass

Throughout his hospitalization, spare medical bulletins indicated a strong postoperative recovery. Medical teams reported that his vital signs and postoperative test results remained within the expected range. The day after surgery, the pope began respiratory therapy, walked around his hospital room, and resumed eating independently.

Spare bulletins from his personal physician and surgeon likewise indicated a good recovery that allowed him to carry on normal daily activities completely on his own. During his hospital stay, the pope engaged in official duties, holding a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, meeting with top aides, and managing affairs.

On Friday, October 16, 2026, the Vatican released the first images of Pope Leo since his operation. The photographs showed him standing at an altar in a hospital chapel wearing green vestments. According to Matteo Bruni, the pope presided alone over the liturgy and distributed Communion to attending medical personnel and Vatican gendarmes.

"for the work they do every day taking care of the sick in their fragility, and in a particular way what they had done for him"

Pope Leo XIV, via Matteo Bruni

During the service, Pope Leo delivered a homily expressing gratitude to the hospital staff.

Next Steps and Future Itinerary

Following his return to the Vatican, Pope Leo is scheduled to resume his public appearances by delivering the traditional noon Angelus prayer on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from the window of the papal apartment overlooking St. Peter's Square.

Meanwhile, doctors are still awaiting the results of laboratory tests designed to determine the precise molecular and genetic makeup of the cancer, whether it has spread beyond the removed lobe, and whether any further treatment will be necessary.

The pope's next major travel commitment is an ambitious journey to Latin America scheduled from November 6–17, 2026. The trip includes a dozen flights and two helicopter trips, giving Pope Leo roughly three weeks of recovery time before departure. Signaling that preparations are moving forward, the Vatican published the names of journalists accredited to fly on the papal plane on Friday, October 16, 2026. Oncology surgeons note that standard medical protocols generally clear patients to fly after three weeks, provided their recovery progresses safely.