Vatican says Pope Leo to be released from the hospital after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV is being released from the hospital on Saturday, four days after lung cancer surgery, and will deliver the traditional noon blessing on Sunday from a window overlooking St. Peter's Square. The 71-year-old pope had the lower lobe of his right lung removed after adenocarcinoma was confirmed.

Pope Leo XIV is being released from the hospital on Saturday, four days after undergoing lung cancer surgery, the Vatican announced. The 71-year-old pope had the lower lobe of his right lung removed after doctors identified a suspected cancerous nodule, which was confirmed as adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. His personal physician and surgeon stated he was deemed fit for discharge based on blood test results and a chest X-ray performed Saturday morning. He is set to return to the Vatican in the early afternoon and will deliver the traditional noon blessing on Sunday from a window overlooking St. Peter's Square. The pope had announced the nodule last Sunday and has shown strong signs of recovery, including holding a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel. The Vatican released images of him standing at an altar. His next major agenda is a trip to Latin America from November 6-17, which includes multiple flights. Doctors are still awaiting results to understand the cancer's molecular makeup and whether it has spread.