Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital four days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his lung. The 71-year-old walked unaided to his car and spoke to well-wishers on leaving the facility.
The Vatican announced the Pope will resume public duties by delivering the traditional Angelus prayer and blessing in St Peter's Square on Sunday. Photographs released Friday showed him celebrating Mass and distributing communion to hospital staff. His medical team reported that blood tests and chest X-rays indicated "steady improvement" following the 90-minute operation on Tuesday, which involved removal of the lower lobe of his right lung.
Results from further tests to determine whether cancer has spread have not yet been announced. The Pope's schedule remains cleared until 20 October, making his rapid return to public appearances unexpected.
The discharge comes as the Pope pursues his diplomatic agenda despite recent surgery. On Friday, he spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since June 2025. The Vatican stated the call aimed to urge "dialogue and peace" as Russia's military campaign against Ukraine intensifies, producing mounting civilian casualties. The Pope also called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshkiy to enable evacuations and delivery of food and medicine. The BBC has reported residents in that city have been forced to eat garden weeds to survive.
Those close to the Pope indicated he wishes to proceed with a planned trip to Latin America in early November, including a visit to Peru where he served as a missionary for many years. It remains unclear whether he will be medically cleared to travel or require additional treatment before that journey.
His appearance in public within days of major surgery will likely provide some reassurance to Catholics worldwide during a period of both personal health uncertainty and intensifying geopolitical crisis.