Pope Leo XIV discharged from hospital after lung surgery

By The Inspirer.

Pope Leo XIV, head of the Catholic Church, has been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital in Italy, four days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his lung.

The 71-year-old pontiff walked out of the hospital unaided and stopped to speak with well-wishers who had gathered to wish him a speedy recovery before getting into a waiting vehicle.

Doctors treating the Pope said blood tests and lung imaging showed that his condition was continuing to improve following the operation.

The surgery was performed on Tuesday and lasted about 90 minutes. Doctors removed the lower part of his right lung.

However, results of further tests to determine whether the cancer had spread to other parts of his body have not yet been released.

The Vatican announced that the Pope would lead the Angelus prayer and deliver a blessing to Catholics gathered in St Peter’s Square on Sunday.

The appearance is highly anticipated, particularly after he suspended all his scheduled engagements until October 20 to focus on his recovery.

On Friday, photographs showed Pope Leo XIV celebrating Mass at the hospital and administering Holy Communion to some members of staff.

He also held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, urging him to prioritise dialogue and peace as the war in Ukraine continues.

The Pope also called for a ceasefire in the Russian-controlled city of Oleshky to allow civilians to be evacuated and receive food and medical supplies.

People close to the pontiff say he hopes to maintain plans for a trip to South America in early November. The visit is expected to include Peru, where he spent many years serving as a missionary.