NRT briefing
Pope Leo XIV leaves hospital and returns to Vatican after lung cancer surgery
Based on reporting by Washington Examiner.
The Brief
Pope Leo XIV left Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, four days after surgeons removed a cancerous nodule from his lung, and returned to the Vatican. Doctors confirmed the operation revealed lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff was deemed fit for discharge after blood tests and a chest X-ray.
The Holy See Press Office announced his release, stating he would lead the Angelus prayer from the papal apartment window on Sunday. While at the hospital, the pope celebrated Mass in a chapel and distributed Communion to staff and Vatican security officers.
He also held a phone call Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing Catholic-Orthodox dialogue and expressing concern about the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine's Kherson region, particularly the city of Oleshky, where he sought a truce to allow aid and evacuation of 1,700 trapped civilians. Doctors are still awaiting test results to determine if further cancer treatment is needed.
NRT commentary
How We See It
Pope Leo XIV's rapid discharge from the hospital after lung cancer surgery is a positive sign, but the Vatican's cautious language about pending test results reminds us that serious health challenges may still lie ahead. The pope's call to Putin, seeking a truce to evacuate civilians from Oleshky, demonstrates a willingness to engage directly with world leaders on humanitarian matters, even while recovering from major surgery.
This proactive diplomacy, combined with his quick return to leading the Angelus, signals a papacy that prioritizes active engagement over extended convalescence. However, the uncertainty surrounding his cancer prognosis means that the Vatican must be prepared for potential leadership challenges.
The coming weeks will test both the pope's physical resilience and the institution's ability to maintain continuity in the face of health-related uncertainty.
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