Pope Leo XIV Discharged After Lung Surgery
The 71-year-old Pontiff, diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his release.
Carla Rooney
Pope Leo XIV will be released from the hospital on Saturday.
Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The diagnosis: adenocarcinoma.
The Pontiff's personal physician and surgeon confirmed his fitness for hospital discharge. Recovery was projected to span approximately one week; no specific discharge date was initially provided.
Pope Leo engaged in a direct conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. The Vatican explicitly stated the call urged "dialogue and peace."
dialogue and peace.
All papal appointments remain canceled until October 20. Despite this, the Vatican maintains the Pope will deliver the traditional Angelus prayer and blessing to crowds in St. Peter's Square on Sunday.
Matteo Bruni conveyed the Pope's gratitude "for the work they do every day taking care of the sick in their fragility, and in a particular way what they had done for him." The Vatican reported the Pope shows steady improvement in the hospital and is expected to lead Sunday prayers.
Pope Leo holds the distinction of being the first US-born leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He recently presided over the presentation of his encyclical on artificial intelligence, sharing the stage with cardinals, lay theologians, and an AI developer.
It remains uncertain whether Pope Leo will be fit for travel or if further treatment will be necessary.