Christianity
Pope Leo XIV Returns Home After Successful Lung Cancer Surgery
Clear Facts
- Pope Leo XIV was discharged Saturday afternoon from Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital following Tuesday surgery to remove a cancerous lung tumor.
- Dr. Stefano Margaritora stated at the time of discharge that Pope Leo was in entirely satisfactory clinical condition.
- The operation was performed to address a confirmed lung cancer diagnosis.
Pope Leo XIV left the hospital in Rome on Saturday after undergoing surgery earlier in the week. The procedure addressed a cancerous growth in his lung. Medical staff reported his condition as stable at the time of release.
Dr. Stefano Margaritora, director of thoracic surgery at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, confirmed the positive outlook.
Professor Stefano Margaritora, who operated on Pope Leo XIV on October 13, speaks to Vatican News about the Holy Father's health.
He said the Pope "truly put his heart" into his treatment, and could be "fully recovered" in about ten days.
There are "no clinical reasons" why… pic.twitter.com/FSPBtACoow
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) October 17, 2026
A Sala de Imprensa da Santa Sé confirmou a oração do Angelus amanhã, que o Vatican News transmitirá ao vivo, com comentários em português, a partir das 12h locais (11h 🇵🇹|7h 🇧🇷). Você poderá acompanhar através da nossa página e dos nossos canais no YouTube e Facebook pic.twitter.com/HNuC1IEw0i
— Vatican News (@vaticannews_pt) October 17, 2026
Pope Leo XIV leaves Rome’s Gemelli hospital Oct. 17, four days after lung cancer surgery and heads back to the Vatican. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez) pic.twitter.com/RAzQ4IUWZA
— Catholic News Service (@CatholicNewsSvc) October 17, 2026
Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and returned to the papal apartments in Vatican City State on Saturday afternoon.
The announcement that Pope Leo would be released from hospital was made on Saturday morning.
A separate statement from the Holy See Press… pic.twitter.com/tmZOWtPmr5
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) October 17, 2026
“At the time of his discharge from the hospital, Pope Leo was in entirely satisfactory clinical condition,” Dr. Stefano Margaritora said.
The news comes as traditional values and moral leadership remain central to global discussions. Faith communities across America continue to look to the Vatican for guidance rooted in longstanding doctrine.
Supporters note that steady leadership through health challenges reflects the strength and resilience long associated with the papacy.
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