Headline: Pope Leo XIV to Leave Hospital Four Days After Lung Cancer Surgery

Headline: Pope Leo XIV to Leave Hospital Four Days After Lung Cancer Surgery

Date: 17 October 2026

Tags: World News, Health, Religion, Vatican

Summary:

- Pope Leo XIV is expected to leave Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, four days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer.

- Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung during a 90-minute operation on Tuesday.

- Vatican doctors reported steady improvement following blood tests and a chest X-ray.

- Further test results determining whether the cancer has spread have not yet been announced.

- The Pope is expected to deliver his traditional Sunday Angelus prayer and blessing in St Peter's Square.

- Photographs released on Friday showed the Pope celebrating Mass and distributing communion to hospital staff.

- Pope Leo spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, urging dialogue and peace amid the continuing war in Ukraine.

- He also called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Russian-occupied Oleshkiy to allow evacuations and deliveries of food and medicine.

- The Vatican has cleared the Pope's official schedule until 20 October to allow time for recovery.

- A planned visit to Latin America in early November remains uncertain, depending on his recovery and potential further treatment.

Why this matters: The Pope's discharge and planned public appearance indicate progress in his recovery following major cancer surgery. However, uncertainty over whether the cancer has spread could affect his health, international travel and future responsibilities.

What’s next: Pope Leo is expected to appear publicly on Sunday, 18 October, for the Angelus prayer. Doctors will continue monitoring his recovery, with further test results and decisions about his November Latin America trip still pending.