VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV was discharged from hospital four days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer and returned to the Vatican on Saturday. Well-wishers gathered outside the hospital welcomed his departure with applause and cheers.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the 71-year-old pontiff walked out of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on his own. Smiling, he greeted people, shook hands and waved in response to their warm wishes. He also exchanged a few words with the doctors who treated him and hospital officials.
Pope Meets Young Cancer Survivor Before Leaving Hospital
Before leaving the hospital, Pope Leo met a Ukrainian girl who had recovered from cancer and had come to convey her wishes for his speedy recovery.
According to the Vatican, the Pope had been receiving treatment at the hospital since Tuesday. Surgeons removed part of his right lung to eliminate a cancerous tumour.
On Saturday, medical specialists assessed his condition through blood tests, a chest X-ray and an overall medical evaluation. Following these examinations, doctors considered him fit to leave the hospital.
Return Brings Relief to Catholics Worldwide
The Pope’s return to the Vatican is expected to ease concerns about his health among Catholics in the Vatican and around the world. The global Catholic community is estimated to number approximately 1.4 billion people.
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV has not yet completed two years as head of the Catholic Church.
Pope Plans Traditional Sunday Prayer
According to the Vatican, Pope Leo intends to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday from a window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St Peter’s Square.
During his hospital stay, he continued to pray daily around noon in his room on the hospital’s tenth floor.
The Pope’s discharge marks an important development in his recovery. Further updates from the Vatican are expected to provide more information about his health and upcoming engagements.
