Pope Leo XIV has been discharged from Romeโs Gemelli Hospital and returned to the papal apartments in Vatican City following surgery on his right lung.
The 70-year-old pontiff returned to the Vatican on Saturday afternoon, October 17, 2026, after doctors determined that his condition had improved sufficiently to allow him to leave hospital.
The Holy See Press Office announced his planned discharge earlier on Saturday after his medical team reviewed the results of blood tests and a chest X-ray conducted that morning.
The assessments, carried out by Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, confirmed that the Pope was fit to be discharged.
The pontiff had been admitted to Gemelli Hospital for surgery on his right lung on Tuesday, October 13. During the operation, doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung, with tissue analysis confirming lung adenocarcinoma.
The Vatican had previously reported that the operation was successful and that his postoperative recovery was progressing as expected.
Before leaving the hospital, Pope Leo celebrated Mass in a room set aside for worship on the hospitalโs 10th floor.
Pope Leo to Lead Sunday Angelus
In a separate announcement, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that the Pope will lead the traditional noonday Angelus prayer on Sunday, October 18, from the window of the Apostolic Palace.
The planned appearance will mark a return to a familiar public papal engagement following his hospitalisation and surgery.
The Angelus is a traditional Catholic prayer led by the Pope at noon, often drawing pilgrims and faithful who gather in St Peterโs Square or follow the address through broadcasts.
His discharge from hospital marks a new phase of recovery at the Vatican, with attention now turning to his Sunday appearance and the progress of his recovery.
