Pope Leo XIV after his hospital stay: “I feel closer to those who suffer illness”

Pope Leo XIV Returns to the Vatican After Lung Surgery

Poinews.com – Pope Leo XIV after his hospital stay returned to public view on Sunday, greeting pilgrims in St Peter’s Square during the Angelus prayer. It was his first appearance after leaving Rome’s Gemelli hospital the previous day, where he had undergone surgery on his right lung.

Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace at noon, the Pope thanked those who had prayed for him and said the support he received during his recovery had been deeply felt. Pilgrims gathered below responded with prolonged applause.

I want to thank all those who have prayed for me in these days. I really felt your support, thank you!

Hospital stay brings a personal reflection on illness

The Pope was discharged on Saturday after five days in hospital, following an operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. Doctors had identified a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, and his medical team said he was leaving in satisfactory clinical condition.

Pope Leo XIV after his hospital experience said it had given him a more immediate understanding of people living with illness, frailty and lengthy recoveries. He also offered particular thanks to the professionals who treated him at the Gemelli Polyclinic.

I am particularly grateful to the doctors, nurses and all the staff of the Gemelli Polyclinic.

His remarks turned the customary Sunday gathering into a more personal moment. The Pope said that being a patient himself had made him feel especially close to people facing health problems.

It made me feel in a special way close to all those who are going through illness and a condition of infirmity.

Recovery continues as Vatican duties resume gradually

The operation was performed on Tuesday 13 October. Professor Stefano Margaritora, the surgeon who carried out the procedure, said the Pope’s recovery was progressing within the expected timeframe after this type of surgery.

The re-expansion of the lung after the operation is progressing according to the time frame normally expected. Overall, therefore, his condition is good.

Margaritora said there was currently no clinical obstacle to the Pope’s planned apostolic trip to Latin America, which is scheduled to begin on 6 November. However, Leo XIV is expected to return to his programme carefully while he completes his convalescence.

The surgeon estimated that the recovery period should last about two weeks, giving the Pope additional time to regain strength before the planned journey. He also praised the Pope’s commitment to post-operative care.

His determination to recover within a very short time is extremely effective from every point of view: it has truly been exemplary.

Pope Leo was an ideal patient. I don’t say that to flatter him, but he really was a patient who did not cause the slightest problem for the team looking after him.

Tumour detected during routine examinations

The malignant growth was discovered unexpectedly during routine abdominal testing. According to Margaritora, abdominal imaging can also show part of the lower lungs because of their location above the diaphragm.

That enabled doctors to notice a small mark at the base of the lung. The surgeon said the finding may have been more difficult to detect if it had been positioned higher in the chest.

As unfortunately often happens, while carrying out routine abdominal tests, this small spot was found in the chest, at the base of the lungs.

Pope Leo XIV after his hospital discharge has offered a visible sign of recovery, but he remains in a period of rehabilitation. His return to the Vatican combined a familiar Sunday tradition with a message of gratitude and solidarity with those affected by illness.

FAQ: Pope Leo XIV’s Recovery

When did Pope Leo XIV leave hospital?

Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Saturday, five days after surgery on his right lung.

What surgery did Pope Leo XIV have?

He underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors identified a pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Is Pope Leo XIV expected to travel to Latin America?

His apostolic trip to Latin America remains scheduled to begin on 6 November. His surgeon said there was no current clinical reason to prevent the visit, although the Pope’s return to work is expected to be gradual.