Pope Leo XIV returns after hospital stay and lung surgery
Usagevpn.com – Pope Leo XIV after his hospital stay said he feels especially close to people living with illness and frailty, as he made his first public appearance since leaving Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic. The Pope appeared from the Apostolic Palace overlooking St Peter’s Square on Sunday to lead the Angelus prayer.
Pilgrims and faithful gathered in the square applauded as he returned to public view, one day after his discharge. He had spent five days in hospital after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung following the discovery of a pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
“I want to thank all those who have prayed for me in these days. I really felt your support, thank you!”
Thanks for medical care and prayers
The Pope also expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses and other staff who cared for him at the Gemelli Polyclinic. His message acknowledged both the medical team involved in his treatment and the people who supported him through prayer.
“I am particularly grateful to the doctors, nurses and all the staff of the Gemelli Polyclinic.”
Reflecting on his experience, Pope Leo XIV after his hospital treatment said it had deepened his understanding of people facing sickness, difficult recoveries and physical weakness. He connected his own convalescence with the daily reality experienced by patients and their families.
“It made me feel in a special way close to all those who are going through illness and a condition of infirmity.”
Recovery continues after lung operation
Professor Stefano Margaritora, who operated on the Pope on Tuesday 13 October, said he was discharged in satisfactory clinical condition. The surgeon described the early recovery as encouraging, including the expected re-expansion of the remaining lung tissue.
“The re-expansion of the lung after the operation is progressing according to the time frame normally expected. Overall, therefore, his condition is good.”
Margaritora said the Pope still needs roughly two weeks of convalescence. Leo XIV plans to return to his duties progressively during this delicate stage of recovery, with his health remaining the immediate priority.
An apostolic trip to Latin America, scheduled to begin on 6 November, remains on the calendar. The surgeon said there were no clinical reasons preventing the journey if the Pope’s recovery continues as expected.
“I would say there are no clinical reasons why this journey should not take place.”
A tumour found during routine examinations
The malignant tumour was discovered incidentally during routine abdominal examinations. Margaritora explained that scans of the abdomen can also show the lower portions of the lungs because they sit above the diaphragm.
In this case, the abnormality was visible near the base of the lung, prompting further assessment and ultimately surgery. A lesion positioned higher in the chest might not have been visible on the same imaging.
Pope Leo XIV after his hospital discharge offered a visible sign of his return to public life, while his gradual resumption of activities underlines the continuing importance of rest and rehabilitation after major surgery.
FAQ: Pope Leo XIV’s recovery
When did Pope Leo XIV leave hospital?
He was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic on Saturday, before appearing publicly for the Angelus prayer on Sunday.
Will the Pope still travel to Latin America?
The trip planned to begin on 6 November remains scheduled. His surgeon said there was no clinical obstacle to travel if recovery continues as anticipated.
What did the Pope say about illness?
He said his hospital experience had made him feel closer to people dealing with illness and infirmity, while thanking those who prayed for him and the medical staff who treated him.
