Vatican City, Oct 18 (V7N)- Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Saturday, four days after undergoing surgery for a reported lung condition, as further tests to determine the extent of his illness remained pending.
Dozens of devotees gathered outside the hospital to bid farewell to the 71-year-old pontiff, greeting him with calls of “Holiness” as he left in a black SUV. Asked about his health, the pope replied, “I’m doing very well, thank you.”
He walked to the vehicle without assistance and, accompanied by his surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, met patients before leaving. He also waved to the crowd gathered outside the hospital.
Among those who met him was a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl who had recovered from cancer and presented him with a handmade doll depicting the pope. She said a brief encounter with him in St. Peter’s Square last December had given her strength during her illness.
The pope reached the Vatican entrance about 10 minutes after departing the hospital.
According to the information provided, the 90-minute operation on Tuesday involved removing the lower part of his right lung. Post-operative tests reportedly identified pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. Further examinations were being conducted to establish whether the disease had spread, but the results had not been released.
Medical updates indicated that blood tests and chest X-rays showed steady improvement following surgery. His personal doctor and surgeon reportedly said he could carry out normal daily activities without assistance.
During his hospital stay, the pope continued some of his duties, meeting senior aides and leading prayers in a temporary chapel. A photograph released on Friday reportedly showed him celebrating Mass for hospital staff and distributing Communion.
The Vatican said Leo XIV was scheduled to lead the traditional Angelus prayer and bless the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
While hospitalised, the pope also spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. It was reportedly their first phone conversation since June 2025. According to the Vatican, the discussion emphasised “dialogue and peace.”
The call came amid continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and growing concern over civilian casualties. The pope also called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshki to allow civilians to be evacuated safely and urgent supplies of food and medicine to be delivered.
His associates reportedly said he did not want to postpone a planned trip to Latin America in early November, including a visit to Peru, where he had served as a missionary for many years. However, uncertainty remained over whether his recovery and any further treatment would affect the schedule.
Note: The medical and biographical details in the supplied account could not be independently confirmed here. They should be checked against official Vatican statements and reliable news sources before publication.
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