Pope Leo leaves hospital after cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV leaves hospital after successful lung cancer surgery

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Pope Leo XIV, 71, has left the hospital in Rome after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. His doctors said he was well enough to return home following the latest blood tests and chest imaging.

The pope underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, which confirmed the presence of adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. The surgery was completed successfully without complications.

Pope Leo's doctors have not yet disclosed the size of the tumor or whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, which are key factors in determining the prognosis. The diagnosis was a shock, especially given the pope's relatively young age and energetic nature.

The pope is expected to lead weekly prayers with pilgrims in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, which will be his first public engagement since the surgery. He will also give the traditional Angelus prayer and blessing to a crowd in the square.

Pope Leo's schedule has been cleared until 20 October, but those close to him said he was keen not to delay a trip to Latin America, planned for early November. It is not yet clear whether he might be fit to travel or require further treatment.