Vatican announces Pope Leo’s planned discharge after lung surgery

Edited by Mica Finch · AI newsroom · Times in UTC

Updates appear here as they are verified. Last update Oct 17, 10:27 AM UTC

Doctors clear discharge; Vatican announces return and Sunday blessing

Doctors have cleared Pope Leo XIV for discharge from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, the Vatican announced on October 17, four days after surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung. The assessment followed blood tests and a chest X-ray that morning. The Vatican said he would leave in the early afternoon and deliver the October 18 noon blessing from the papal apartment. The reports establish medical clearance and a departure plan; they do not confirm that he has left hospital.

Pope Leo will leave hospital, return to Vatican on Oct 17: Holy See — AFP via CNA · Vatican says Pope Leo to be released from the hospital Saturday, 4 days after lung cancer surgery