Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday after a four-day stay at Gemelli Hospital. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a surgical procedure to remove a cancerous mass from his right lung.
The 90-minute surgery for adenocarcinoma at Gemelli Hospital
Pope Leo XIV underwent a 90-minute operation on Tuesday morning after doctors discovered a lesion on his chest, as reported in the source. The procedure resulted in the partial removal of his right lung, with medical staff confirming a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, which is the most prevalent form of lung cancer.
According to the report, the 71-year-old Pope was cleared for discharge from the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on Saturday following positive blood tests and a chest X-ray. His personal physician noted that the recovery has been sufficient to allow the pontiff to resume his daily activities independently.
Phone calls to Vladimir Putin and hospital Masses
During his recovery at Gemelli Hospital, Pope Leo XIV maintained an active schedule that signaled a strong post-operative rebound. The pontiff held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and met with his primary aides to discuss Vatican business.
On Friday, the Vatican released images of Pope Leo XIV presiding over a liturgy in green vestments, where he distributed Communion to medical staff and Vatican gendarmes. In a homily delivered at the hospital, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to the medical personel for their care of the fragile and sick.
Breaking the 'fine until he is dead' tradition
The openness regarding the health of Pope Leo XIV represents a significant departure from historical Vatican protocols. For decades, the Holy See maintained a culture of extreme secrecy regarding the ailments of the papacy, a practice often summarized by the Italian phrase suggesting a pope is healthy until the moment of his passing.
In a rare move, Pope Leo XIV personally informed the public about the lung nodule during a live television broadcast to millions of followers in St Peter's Square. By announcing the diagnosis as an "aside" during his blessing, the pontiff has shifted the expectation of privvacy toward one of public accountability.
A dozen flights to Latin America and pending test results
The immediate focus for Pope Leo XIV is a high-intensity trip to Latin America scheduled for next month. This ambitious itinerary involves 12 flights and two helicopter journeys, a schedule that oncology surgeons typically permit only after a three-week recovery period. The Vatican has already begun accrediting journalists for the journey, suggesting the trip remains on schedule.
However, a critical uncertainty remains regarding the long-term prognosis. The Vatican is still awaiting specific test results to determine if the 71-year-old pontiff requires additional oncological treatment beyond the initial surgery. Whether the physical toll of a multi-country tour is compatible with these pending results remains an unverified point of concern.
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