Pope Leo Discharged After Lung Cancer Surgery
Pope Leo XIV is recovering normally after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung for a malignant tumor; the Vatican said he is walking, eating and undergoing respiratory therapy. A physician said a full recovery may be possible
FaithTap · Oct 17, 2026 · 1 min read
Pope Leo XIV, 71, was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, where tests confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Doctors said his blood tests, chest X-ray and clinical condition showed he was fit to leave, with recovery progressing as expected and no reported surgical complications. He resumed some work and celebrated Mass in hospital, and is expected to lead the Angelus prayer from the papal apartment on Sunday. Further test results to determine whether the cancer spread and whether treatment is needed have not been reported. The Vatican has indicated his planned November trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru appears to remain on schedule.