Pope Leo XIV shows steady recovery after lung surgery as discharge nears

Pope Leo XIV is recovering steadily at Rome's Gemelli Hospital following lung tumor surgery, with potential discharge coming within days.
Pope Leo XIV is making steady progress at Rome's Gemelli Hospital following surgery to remove a malignant lung tumor. Vatican officials reported that the pontiff has begun moving around his room, concelebrating Mass, and accepting brief visits concerning Church governance.
Medical staff stated that his post-operative recovery is proceeding normally, with doctors evaluating potential discharge within five days, possibly before Sunday.
Reflecting on the situation, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin indicated that future operations may be adjusted, remarking that "the pontificate will be reshaped" to accommodate health considerations. Public audiences remain suspended through October 20 while the Pope continues his recuperation.
Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.
Sources
- Il Sole 24 Ore — Papa, in mattinata l’arrivo al Policlinico Gemelli
- ANSA — Oggi il ricovero del Papa al Gemelli per rimuovere un nodulo al polmone
- Corriere della Sera — Papa Leone, ricoverato al Gemelli | L'arrivo poco dopo le 13. Il Vaticano: «Nel pomeriggio sarà operato per il nodulo al polmone»
- La Repubblica — La preoccupazione di Parolin: “Il pontificato potrebbe mutare”
- Il Messaggero — Papa Leone al lavoro, il Gemelli blindato e i timori del cardinale Parolin: «Il Pontificato si rimodulerà» ecco come
Earlier coverage
- Oct 16, 2026, 03:30 AM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove malignant lung tumor
- Oct 14, 2026, 09:30 PM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery for lung tumor in Rome
- Oct 14, 2026, 04:00 PM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove lung tumor
- Oct 14, 2026, 03:00 PM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove lung tumor
- Oct 14, 2026, 09:00 AM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove lung tumor
- Oct 14, 2026, 02:00 AM UTCPope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove malignant lung tumor
- Oct 13, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCPope Leo to undergo lung surgery in Rome following nodule detection
- Oct 13, 2026, 09:00 AM UTCPope Leo to enter hospital ahead of lung surgery
- Oct 13, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCPope Leo to undergo lung surgery after nodule detected