The 71-year-old pontiff is expected to return to the Vatican on Saturday, just four days after surgery to remove a cancerous portion of his right lung.
VATICAN CITY, October 17, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV is expected to leave Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday after doctors determined that his recovery from lung cancer surgery had progressed sufficiently for him to return to the Vatican.
The announcement marks a significant development in the health of the 71-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who underwent surgery on October 13 after doctors discovered a suspicious nodule in his right lung.
According to the Vatican, medical examinations confirmed that the growth was lung adenocarcinoma, one of the most common forms of lung cancer.
Surgery Removes Lower Lobe of Right Lung
Pope Leo XIV underwent an operation at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on Tuesday, October 13.
Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung using a video-assisted surgical technique intended to remove the affected tissue completely.
The procedure lasted approximately 90 minutes, although the pontiff spent about three hours in the operating room.
The Vatican reported that the operation was completed successfully without complications.
Examination of tissue during surgery confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a diagnosis that doctors had suspected following earlier medical tests.
However, the Vatican has not disclosed the cancer’s stage or whether it has spread beyond the affected area. Further examination of the removed tissue is necessary to establish the full extent of the disease and determine whether additional treatment will be required.
First Images Show Pope Celebrating Mass
On Friday, October 16, the Vatican released the first photographs of Pope Leo XIV since his operation.
The images showed the pontiff celebrating Mass inside Gemelli Hospital, where he was joined by members of the medical and nursing staff.
The photographs offered reassurance to Catholics around the world who had been following updates about his condition.
Despite undergoing major thoracic surgery, Pope Leo had already resumed several daily activities during his recovery.
Doctors reported that he was walking independently, eating normally, and participating in respiratory physiotherapy to help restore lung function.
Doctors Confirm Continued Improvement
On Friday, the Vatican reported that follow-up blood tests and chest imaging showed steady improvement in the Pope’s overall condition.
Additional medical examinations conducted Saturday morning supported the decision to discharge him.
The Holy See announced that Pope Leo would return to the Vatican on Saturday afternoon and lead the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment on October 18.
His relatively short hospitalization represents an encouraging postoperative development, although long-term cancer treatment decisions remain dependent on further medical findings.
What Is Lung Adenocarcinoma?
Lung adenocarcinoma is a form of non-small cell lung cancer that arises from glandular cells in the lungs.
It is among the most frequently diagnosed types of lung cancer and can occur in individuals who have never smoked.
Potential risk factors include tobacco exposure, secondhand smoke, radon, environmental pollutants, and certain genetic changes.
Treatment depends on the cancer’s stage, molecular characteristics, and the patient’s general health. When detected at an early, localized stage, surgical removal can sometimes offer the possibility of a cure.
For more advanced disease, treatment may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted medication, or radiation therapy.
Doctors have not publicly confirmed whether Pope Leo XIV will require any of these additional treatments.
Questions Remain About Upcoming International Travel
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, became the first American-born pope following his election in May 2025.
His hospitalization has raised questions about the physical demands of leading the worldwide Catholic Church, particularly as he prepares for international engagements.
A major visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru is scheduled for November 6–17.
Although the Vatican has indicated that the pontiff intends to continue his duties, future travel arrangements may depend on his recovery and medical recommendations.
For now, the immediate priority remains his postoperative rehabilitation and continued monitoring.
A Moment of Hope for Catholics Worldwide
The Pope’s diagnosis has prompted messages of support and prayers from religious communities and world leaders.
His return to the Vatican, if completed as scheduled, will mark an encouraging milestone following an operation that initially required an anticipated weeklong hospitalization.
Nevertheless, physicians must still determine the full extent of the cancer before a long-term medical outlook can be established.
For millions of Catholics worldwide, his improving condition provides hope as he prepares to resume his public ministry.
VietEcho will continue following official Vatican medical announcements and developments concerning Pope Leo XIV’s recovery.
Sources: Vatican News (October 13–17, 2026); Reuters (October 13 and 17, 2026); Associated Press (October 17, 2026); BBC News (October 16, 2026).
