Pope returns to Vatican days after surgery; surgeon says he should be fit for Latin America tour
Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday, Oct. 17, following surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung. The pontiff was discharged from Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic four days after the procedure. His surgeon stated there are "no clinical reasons" to cancel the Pope's scheduled visit to Latin America next month. Before his release, the Pope celebrated Mass at the hospital alongside his personal secretary, Monsignor Edgard Iván Rimaycuna Inga.
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- ✓ Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
- ✓ The Pope underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove lung cancer from his right lung.
- ✓ Pope Leo XIV has a type of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma.
- ✓ The surgeon who removed the tumor stated there are "no clinical reasons" to prevent the Pope from traveling to Latin America next month.
What changed
Pope Leo XIV was discharged from the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on Oct. 17 and cleared by his surgeon for upcoming travel.
Live updates
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Pope Leo XIV returns to Vatican after lung cancer surgery
Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday, Oct. 17, following surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung. The pontiff was discharged from Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic four days after the procedure. His surgeon stated there are "no clinical reasons" to cancel the Pope's scheduled visit to Latin America next month. Before his release, the Pope celebrated Mass at the hospital alongside his personal secretary, Monsignor Edgard Iván Rimaycuna Inga.
Why it matters
The Pope was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a specific type of lung cancer. This health crisis has drawn attention to gaps in cancer screening and prompted public prayers at sites like Holy Name Cathedral.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV was discharged from Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
- The Pope underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove lung cancer from his right lung.
- Pope Leo XIV has a type of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma.
- The surgeon who removed the tumor stated there are "no clinical reasons" to prevent the Pope from traveling to Latin America next month.
- Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at the hospital before his discharge.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the specific dates for the Latin America tour
- Updates on the Pope's recovery progress at the Vatican
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (14)
- AP News — Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer called adenocarcinoma. Here’s what that means
- The New York Times — Vatican Says Pope Leo Will Leave Hospital on Saturday, Days After Lung Surgery
- Reuters — Pope Leo to leave hospital on Saturday, four days after lung cancer surgery
- Vatican News — Pope’s surgeon: No clinical reason to cancel visit to South America
- OSV News — Pope Leo XIV’s brother shares his own cancer battle, the role of faith and his 1 request
- National Catholic Register — Wrapped in Mary’s Mantle: The Marian Theme Running Through Pope Leo’s Health Crisis
- AP News — Pope returns to Vatican days after surgery; surgeon says he should be fit for Latin America tour
- National Catholic Reporter — First images released of Pope Leo after cancer surgery, celebrating Mass at hospital
- CBS News — Parishioners at Holy Name Cathedral continue prayers for Pope Leo after being released from hospital
- Prevention — Pope Leo’s Lung Cancer Diagnosis Highlights a Glaring Gap in Screening
- www.latimes.com — Pope returns to Vatican days after surgery; surgeon says he ...
- www.dailyadvance.com — Pope returns to Vatican days after surgery; surgeon says he ...
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