Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday, October 17, after undergoing surgery for lung cancer at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, with doctors confirming that his condition was stable enough for discharge.
The 71-year-old pontiff walked unaided from the hospital, greeting staff and well-wishers before departing for the papal apartments, where he is expected to resume public appearances on Sunday.
Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora authorized the pope's discharge following blood tests and chest imaging conducted Saturday morning.
They said his recovery had progressed sufficiently for him to perform ordinary daily activities independently.
Leo underwent surgery on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors discovered a pulmonary mass.
The 90-minute procedure was completed without complications, while subsequent tissue analysis confirmed lung adenocarcinoma.
Before leaving the hospital, the pontiff celebrated Mass in a designated worship room and met a Ukrainian family, including a 13-year-old girl receiving cancer treatment in Italy.
The Vatican confirmed that Leo would lead Sunday's Angelus prayer from the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter's Square.
His scheduled engagements through October 20 had previously been canceled to support his recovery.
Margaritora said the pope could recover fully within another 10 days and indicated that his upcoming South American visit remained medically feasible.
Leo is scheduled to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru between November 6 and 17.
However, doctors have not disclosed the tumor's size or whether cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes, leaving important questions about his longer-term prognosis unanswered.
Despite his hospitalization, Leo resumed some official activities during recovery.
On Friday, he spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging a ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian supplies reaching Oleshky, a Russian-controlled Ukrainian town.
The diagnosis has prompted concerns about the future of Leo's papacy, which began in May 2025.
His return to the Vatican and planned Sunday appearance nevertheless indicate an intention to continue official duties while recovering.