Pope Leo To Leave Hospital After Lung Cancer Surgery, Speaks To Putin On Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV is set to leave hospital on Saturday, October 17, after showing significant progress following lung cancer surgery. The pontiff also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging humanitarian assistance for civilians in a war-hit Ukrainian town.

The Vatican said the 71-year-old Pope would be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after doctors assessed his condition, including blood test results and a chest X-ray. He is scheduled to deliver his traditional Sunday blessing from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square.

On Friday, Leo spoke by telephone with Putin, expressing concern over the humanitarian situation in Oleshky, a town in Ukraine’s Kherson region controlled by Russian forces. He called for a ceasefire to allow food and medical supplies to reach residents and enable civilians to evacuate voluntarily and safely.

The Kremlin said Putin supported the Vatican’s initiative to protect the population and organise essential supplies. However, its statement did not explicitly confirm that a ceasefire would be implemented.

Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of obstructing aid deliveries to Oleshky, where around 1,700 people, including 47 children, reportedly remain.

The Pope also reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to dialogue and peace, demonstrating that he remained engaged in diplomatic affairs despite his hospitalisation.

Leo underwent surgery on Tuesday, October 13, during which doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung after identifying a suspicious nodule. The procedure confirmed adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer. The operation was successful, with no complications reported.

The Vatican released the first images of the Pope since surgery on Friday, showing him celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel and distributing Communion to medical staff and Vatican security personnel. His doctors said he was carrying out normal daily activities independently.

Further tests are needed to establish the precise characteristics of the cancer, whether it has spread and whether additional treatment will be necessary.

The Pope is also scheduled to travel to South America from November 6 to 17. Preparations for the trip are continuing, although his recovery and medical advice will determine whether the itinerary proceeds as planned.