Pope Leo XIV was set to be discharged from Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Saturday, four days after surgery to remove a tumor from his right lung. The Vatican announced his early discharge, roughly three days ahead of the original estimate. He is expected to deliver his weekly prayer and blessing on Sunday from his apartment overlooking St. Peter’s Square, though all private audiences remain suspended until Tuesday.
Doctors confirmed the affected lung was healing well after routine checkups and a chest X-ray, stating he was “fit for discharge.” The pope had announced his lung cancer diagnosis the previous Sunday, revealing a small growth that led to the removal of a lower lobe of his right lung. Preoperative tests had already indicated cancer, later confirmed as early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. His illness has raised questions about his travel plans, including a potential trip to South America next month, which may depend on his recovery speed.
As the first U.S.-born pope, elected less than 18 months ago at age 69, Leo now faces longevity concerns similar to those that surrounded his predecessor, Pope Francis. Doctors have not released results of additional tests to determine if further treatment is needed. Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death, though mortality rates have halved since the 1990s due to improved treatments.
Elisabetta Povoledo reported the story for the New York Times from Rome.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing