Pope Leo XIV returns to Vatican after being discharged from hospital

Pope Leo XIV has been discharged from Gemelli Hospital and has returned to the papal apartments in Vatican City State, where he will lead the Angelus on Sunday.

Vatican News - Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Rome’s Agostino Gemelli hospital on Saturday afternoon following lung surgery on Tuesday.

"Before leaving, the Holy Father thanked Professor Stefano Margaritora, who performed the surgery, together with the medical and nursing team," said the Holy See Press Office. "He also greeted the healthcare staff, Professor Elena Beccalli, Rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, and the leadership of the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital."

The Press Office added that the Pope will recite the Angelus at noon on Sunday from the Apostolic Palace.

The announcement that Pope Leo would be released from hospital was made on Saturday morning by the Holy See Press Office.

In a statement, the Pope’s doctors said that he was fit to be discharged from the Gemelli Hospital.

Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said the Pope underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray in the morning, which confirmed that his clinical condition allowed for him to leave hospital.

Before returning to the Vatican, the Pope celebrated Mass in the room set aside for that purpose on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital.

Pope Leo's surgery reveals lung cancer, the Vatican says

LIVE UPDATES: Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer

Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican announced Tuesday evening.

“The Holy Father underwent thoracic surgery as scheduled. To ensure the radical removal of the tumor, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique. An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected from preoperative tests,” the Holy See Press Office said in a statement concerning the operation performed Tuesday afternoon at Romeʼs Agostino Gemelli University Hospital.

“The Holy Father was in the operating room for approximately three hours, while the procedure itself lasted about 90 minutes,” the statement continued. “The operation was successful, and there were no complications. After surgery, the pope regained consciousness normally and, following a brief period of observation, returned to his room on the 10th floor.”

The statement was prepared by Dr. Luigi Carbone, the popeʼs personal physician, and Professor Stefano Margaritora, who performed the operation.

In addition to Margaritora, the surgical team included Professor Elisa Meacci and Drs. Maria Teresa Congedo and Leonardo Petracca Ciaravella. The anesthesiology team consisted of Professor Massimo Antonelli and Drs. Giovanni Punzo and Giuseppe Bello.

Further postoperative tests, including a histological examination, are expected in the coming days. Doctors have not discussed chemotherapy or similar treatments at this stage.

Leo XIV is being accompanied at the hospital by his two secretaries, the religious sisters who assist him, and his personal physician.

Archbishop Coakley Offers Prayers for Pope Leo XIV on His Upcoming Surgery

WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV announced to those gathered for the Sunday Angelus this morning that he would soon undergo surgery to remove a localized nodule in his lung. Upon hearing the news, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, offered his prayers for the Holy Father and to those caring for him:

“This morning, the Holy Father announced he will undergo surgery for a lung nodule in the coming days. The bishops of the United States join with the faithful and all people of good will in praying for his good health. May the hand of Pope Leo’s surgeons be guided by the divine physician Jesus Christ. Please find a moment today, as I will, to offer a prayer for Pope Leo and his care team.”

For Respect Life Month, Bishop Thomas Requests Prayer and Action on the Abortion Pill

WASHINGTON - Each October since 1973, the Catholic Church in the United States observes Respect Life Month and focuses on reflecting more deeply on the dignity and gift of human life. This year, the theme chosen is Mary, Mother of Life. “Our Blessed Mother is our model for upholding the sanctity of all human life in every stage and circumstance. We entrust all our efforts to protect mothers and babies to her motherly care, which we greatly need at this time,” said Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, in a statement inviting the faithful into prayer, deeper reflection, and action during the month of October.

“Today, with easier access to abortion pills, the abortion rate is tragically climbing, along with increased health risks,” said Bishop Thomas. “This means that more women, many of whom have been misinformed about the nature and risks of the abortion pill, will have an abortion alone at home, without any medical supervision. It also sets up additional opportunities for exploitation by violent partners or human traffickers. These affronts to human dignity demand our response.”

Through a focused effort of prayer and action to stop the spread of the abortion pill, the Committee on Pro-Life Activities has encouraged the faithful to learn about the dangers of the abortion pill and take action by sending messages to pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies. “I thank the many thousands of Catholics across the country who have embraced the nationwide invitation to prayer and action on abortion pills, and I ask that we continue our prayers and advocacy throughout the month of October. Please join us at Respect Life Prayer and Action,” Bishop Thomas said.

Read Bishop Thomas’ full statement: English | Spanish