In brief
Pope Leo XIV will be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital this Saturday after a successful operation to remove a lung tumour. He will perform the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square on Sunday and has already celebrated Mass inside the hospital. Doctors say his recovery looks steady, though further scans are pending. In addition to his medical journey, the Pope has reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging dialogue amid the growing war in Ukraine. With his schedule cleared until October 20, he is eyeing a November visit to Latin America, including Peru. The world watches to see if he will be fit for the trip.
Four days after a lung‑cancer operation, the world’s Catholic leader is set to leave Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The pope will give the traditional Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, a sign he’s already back in the Vatican’s heart.
Doctors say the surgery—removing the lower lobe of his right lung—went well. “Blood tests and a chest X‑ray show steady improvement,” the Vatican announced.
While he was in the hospital, the pope celebrated Mass, handing out communion to staff. Photos of the event show him in the green robes of the pontiff, lights hanging over the white walls.
His health concerns have not dampened his mission for peace. Earlier this week he called Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging dialogue, even as shelling continues across Ukraine. He also pleaded for a humanitarian ceasefire in the besieged village of Oleshkiy, where residents are fighting for food and medicine.
With his schedule cleared until 20 October, the papal agenda includes a Latin‑America trip in early November, slated to visit Peru. It remains to be seen if the pope will be fit for travel, but his quick discharge is seen as a bright sign for millions of Catholics worldwide.
