Pope Leo XIV returns to Vatican four days after lung cancer surgery
The 71-year-old pope walked unaided from hospital after surgery to remove part of his right lung.
Pope Leo XIV has left Rome's Gemelli Hospital four days after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The 71-year-old walked unassisted to his car and spoke to well-wishers on Saturday afternoon.
Doctors cleared him to return home after blood tests and chest imaging showed no complications. Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
The pope will lead prayers in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, his first public engagement since the operation. He was elected only in May 2025, and the diagnosis has raised questions about the future of his papacy.
- 71 years old
- Age
- May 2025
- Elected
- Rome's Gemelli Hospital
- Surgery location
- Four days
- Days in hospital
Why it mattersA pope's health directly affects the Church's leadership and global Catholic affairs during a critical early period of his papacy.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, but the health of the Pope shapes global Catholic policy and Church direction that affects millions of Australian Catholics.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au·smh.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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