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Pope Leo XIV Discharged After Successful Lung Cancer Surgery

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 6:26 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Pope Leo XIV Cleared

Vatican City says Pope Leo XIV will not need further treatment after lung cancer surgery.
Doctors confirmed the removed lower right-lung lobe contained a localized adenocarcinoma that had not spread.
He was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on 17 October and resumed Vatican duties on 21 October.
Surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora said there are no clinical reasons to cancel the planned South America trip 6–17 November.

Summary

Pope Leo Urges Ceasefire

Pope Leo XIV urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in a Ukrainian-held city.
During his hospital stay, Leo visited a children’s oncology ward and received letters from young patients.
Thousands of supporters shouted “Papa!” outside Gemelli Hospital as the pope departed after discharge.
Leo, elected in May 2025, is the Vatican’s first U.S.-born pope, succeeding Pope Francis.

History

Historical Context

In October 1978 the second papal conclave of the year elected Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, who became John Paul II, ending a 455-year Italian papal streak since Adrian VI (1522-23). He won 99 of 111 votes on the eighth ballot after the August conclave had chosen Albino Luciani as John Paul I. The elections were the first under the 1970 rule excluding cardinals over 80.

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Pope Leo XIV Cleared

Vatican City says Pope Leo XIV will not need further treatment after lung cancer surgery.
Doctors confirmed the removed lower right-lung lobe contained a localized adenocarcinoma that had not spread.
He was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on 17 October and resumed Vatican duties on 21 October.
Surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora said there are no clinical reasons to cancel the planned South America trip 6–17 November.

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