Pope Leo XIV has left Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after undergoing surgery on his right lung and completing five days of postoperative recovery.
According to Vatican News, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that the 71-year-old pontiff had made sufficient progress to be discharged following medical assessments.
His recovery had been monitored closely by doctors throughout his hospital stay.
Medical approval, clinical progress
The Holy See Press Office said clinical evaluations, blood tests and a chest X-ray supported the decision to discharge the Pope.
Doctors had previously reported that the operated lung was healing well and that his postoperative recovery was proceeding normally.
During his stay at Gemelli Hospital, Pope Leo continued some of his religious and administrative activities as his condition allowed.
He celebrated Mass and maintained contact with Vatican officials, although his schedule remained limited while he recovered from surgery.
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Return to Vatican, Angelus address
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo would lead the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer on October 18 from the window of the papal apartment overlooking St. Peter’s Square.
The planned appearance will allow the Pope to reconnect with pilgrims and faithful following his hospitalisation.
His medical team has continued to monitor his recovery, with the discharge decision indicating that he no longer requires hospital-based care.
While hospitalised, Pope Leo also spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 16.
According to the Vatican, the pontiff raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Oleshky, in Ukraine’s Kherson region and called for a ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of food and medical assistance and enable the safe, voluntary evacuation of civilians.
Future travel, scheduling considerations
The Pope’s discharge is expected to allow him to gradually resume his public and pastoral responsibilities.
However, the pace of his return to official engagements will depend on his physical recovery and consultations with his medical team.
Particular attention is focused on his planned November 6-17 apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.
The itinerary would involve several stops and public engagements, making his recovery progress an important consideration in determining whether the trip can proceed as planned.
Any decisions regarding his upcoming travel and schedule will need to take account of medical advice and the demands of the planned engagements.
The Vatican has expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel at Gemelli Hospital for their care of the pontiff.
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