"Now that this delicate phase is behind me, I will gradually resume my activities, always with God's help and your prayers," Leo said, his voice sounding strong four days after the lower lobe of his right lung was removed.

The 71-year-old pontiff had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday

© Reuters

Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican after undergoing surgery to remove a lung tumor

© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

The Vatican had initially estimated a weeklong hospital stay and canceled his audiences through Tuesday. Experts said patients could be discharged earlier depending on their recovery.

Pope Leo XIV is being released from the hospital on Saturday after lung cancer surgery, the Vatican announced

© Vatican Media

The 71-year-old Leo had the lower right lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday after doctors identified a suspected cancerous nodule.

His post-operative tests are normal following surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his lung, the Vatican said Wednesday.

Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer and had the lower lobe of his right lung removed, the Vatican announced Tuesday.

Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer and had the lower lobe of his right lung removed, the Vatican announced Tuesday.

The tests confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said in a medical bulletin after the surgery.