Postoperative tests showed the pontiff's analysis indicators within normal ranges, and chest X-rays confirmed favorable recovery of the operated lung, reports stated. Medical staff initiated a physical therapy course that allowed the Pope to independently perform daily activities.
Working From the Hospital and Recent Calls
While recovering in a suite on the hospital’s 10th floor, Leo XIV resumed working and held Mass with other priests in a specially arranged nearby chapel, reports stated. On Friday prior to his discharge, he telephoned Vladimir Putin to appeal for a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, according to LSM. Vatican officials announced that the pontiff would resume leading prayer from his apartment window the day after his release.
JUST IN: Pope Leo XIV to be Discharged from Gemelli Hospital Today@HolySeePress has just issued the following statement:“Dr. Luigi Carbone and Prof. Stefano Margaritora report the following regarding the Pope’s post-operative recovery:In light of this morning’s blood tests… pic.twitter.com/2Aqpl37UiX”
Pontiff meets Ukrainian refugee family before discharge
Before leaving the hospital, Pope Leo XIV met with a Ukrainian refugee family from Berdjansk, including a father, mother, and their 13-year-old daughter, Varvara, Vatican News reported. Varvara previously met the pontiff in St. Peter’s Square on the final day of last year, where an embrace provided her strength to fight cancer. Having learned of the hospital admission, she traveled to Rome to pray outside the clinic window, subsequently presenting the Pope with a soft toy and a photograph from their earlier encounter after medical checks confirmed her own tumor had receded.
Doctors evaluate South American trip status
Doctors continue to evaluate results to determine whether the cancer spread or if further treatment is required, reports stated. LSM noted that uncertainties remain regarding whether Leo XIV will proceed with a scheduled visit to South America in November.
Pope Leo XIV treated for lung adenocarcinoma
When was Pope Leo XIV elected to the papacy?
Pope Leo XIV assumed the papacy on May 8, 2025.
What specific diagnosis prompted the hospital stay?
Medical teams identified a malignant nodule in the Pope’s right lung, which was diagnosed as lung adenocarcinoma and surgically removed during a 90-minute operation, according to Vatican News and La.lv.
JUST IN: Vatican Not Ruling Out Pope Leo’s Discharge Over the Weekend — https://t.co/iiHamzPf9bVatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said: “We’ll have to wait for the doctors’ indications.” Read the article here: https://t.co/iiHamzPf9b pic.twitter.com/xlDzcq9sw2
From the Vatican: "Following the conclusions provided by doctors this morning, Pope Leo XIV will be discharged today from the Gemelli, where he was hospitalized for surgery on his right lung. He will leave the hospital in the early afternoon and return to the Vatican. Tomorrow he… pic.twitter.com/qmDn7FJQBm”
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