Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on October 17, four days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung. The 71-year-old pontiff left the Gemelli hospital in Rome on foot, smiling and greeting well-wishers, including a young Ukrainian cancer survivor who had come to offer her support.

The Pope’s discharge concluded a period of concern following the Tuesday operation, which involved partial lung removal. Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora confirmed that Leo was “fit for discharge” based on blood tests, chest X-rays, and an overall clinical assessment.

Since his admission, the Pope had been recovering on the 10th floor of the hospital, where he continued to celebrate Mass and maintain a connection with the faithful. The Vatican announced that Leo planned to recite the Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, continuing a longstanding tradition.

The Ukrainian girl, 13, who spoke briefly with the Pope outside the hospital, described the pontiff as a source of strength and inspiration. She said she had met him the previous year in Rome and received his blessing before successfully completing her own cancer treatment. “With his support, I’ve now overcome my illness, and I want to give him my positive energy so that he, too, can overcome his illness as quickly as possible,” she said.

Leo, born in Chicago and elected as head of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, has maintained a certain level of activity during his recovery. On Friday, he made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging a ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky, which is currently occupied by Russian forces.

However, uncertainties remain around the Pope’s upcoming schedule. A planned trip to South America, scheduled for November 6-17 to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, has not been confirmed following the surgery. Additionally, all public audiences have been suspended until at least October 20.

The Vatican and the global Catholic community remain attentive to the evolution of Pope Leo’s health as medical tests continue to guide future treatment and activity.