Pope returns to Vatican after hospital stay

Pope Leo XIV, 71, has returned to the Vatican after being discharged from Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he underwent surgery for a cancerous nodule in his lung. His return was marked by applause and cheers from supporters who gathered to greet him as he left the hospital.

Pope greets former patient at hospital exit

As he left the hospital, the pope was accompanied by doctors and hospital officials. He briefly spoke with Varvara Struck, a 13-year-old Ukrainian girl who had previously been a cancer patient and had met the pope in Rome last year. She had received his blessing at that time and expressed hope for his quick recovery.

Doctors confirm pope's good health

Surgeon Stefano Margaritora reported that the pope was in a "completely satisfactory clinical condition" and expected to need about ten more days to fully recover. Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora confirmed this in a note released by the Holy See, citing blood tests, a chest X-ray, and a clinical evaluation as the basis for their assessment.

Pope to recite Angelus prayer from papal apartment

The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV would recite the Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment the following day, marking his first public appearance since leaving the hospital.