Pope Leo returns to Vatican after lung cancer surgery

Rome, Italy. Four days after undergoing lung cancer surgery, Pope Leo left Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday afternoon and returned to the Vatican. The 71-year-old reached his waiting vehicle without assistance, pausing outside the hospital to talk with well-wishers.

Doctors approve discharge

Doctors said the pope could return home after reviewing his latest blood test results and chest scans. They reported that Tuesday’s operation, during which surgeons removed his right lung’s lower lobe, had been successful and involved no complications.

Leo is scheduled to lead the weekly prayers with pilgrims at noon (10am GMT) on Sunday in St Peter’s Square. It will be his first public appearance following the operation.

Details of diagnosis remain limited

The pope was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the commonest type of lung cancer. His diagnosis prompted shock and questions over how the illness would shape his papacy, given his reputation as relatively young and energetic and his election as pope only in May 2025.

His doctors have yet to disclose the tumour’s size or say whether cancer had reached neighbouring lymph nodes. Both are important factors in assessing his prognosis.