Pope Leo XIV is due to return to the Vatican after lung surgery.
Doctors have cleared the pontiff to return to the Vatican after lung surgery, with his recovery continuing outside hospital.
Pope Leo XIV will leave Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday after making steady progress following right lung surgery. The Holy See Press Office said he would return to the Vatican in the early afternoon.
The pontiff will then lead Sunday’s Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment. He is also expected to resume his activities while continuing his recovery.
Doctors clear Pope Leo XIV for discharge
Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said Saturday morning’s blood tests and chest X-ray supported the discharge decision. Their assessment confirmed that the Pope’s condition allowed him to continue recovering outside hospital.
The operation involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung. However, the Vatican has not outlined a further recovery plan for his return.
Before leaving Gemelli, the Pope is expected to celebrate Mass in a room designated for worship on the hospital’s 10th floor. His departure will follow several days of Vatican updates describing improvement after the operation.
Recovery includes physiotherapy and daily activities
On Friday, the doctors said blood tests and a chest X-ray showed continued improvement in his overall condition. They also reported that he was continuing respiratory physiotherapy.
His progress meant he could carry out normal daily activities independently, the doctors said. Saturday’s assessment subsequently cleared the way for his return to the Vatican.
The Pope also celebrated Mass for hospital staff on Friday and distributed Communion. During the service, he thanked doctors, nurses and orderlies for their care of patients and support during his stay.
Diplomatic work continues ahead of Sunday prayer
Meanwhile, the Pope maintained diplomatic contacts from hospital. The Vatican confirmed on Friday that he had spoken by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During the call, he raised concern about the humanitarian situation in Oleshky, in Ukraine’s Kherson region. He also urged a ceasefire to allow food and medical deliveries, alongside the safe evacuation of civilians.
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said the Pope initiated the conversation. The purpose, he explained, was to appeal for humanitarian routes for residents of the besieged city.
Following his hospital discharge, the pontiff’s next scheduled appearance will be the Sunday Angelus. The Holy See Press Office confirmed that he would lead the prayer from the papal apartment window as his recovery continues.
