Vatican says Pope Leo XIV will leave hospital after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV is expected to leave the hospital Saturday, four days after lung cancer surgery, and give Sunday's noon blessing overlooking St. Peter's Square, according to ABC7 Los Angeles, citing the Vatican.

The planned discharge comes earlier than the weeklong stay initially anticipated by the Vatican. Doctors are still awaiting results that will help determine whether the cancer has spread and whether Leo needs additional treatment.

Leo, 71, was cleared for discharge after his personal physician and surgeon reviewed his condition, blood tests and a chest X-ray Saturday morning, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. His return to the Vatican was scheduled for early afternoon.

Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung after identifying a nodule suspected of being cancerous. The operation confirmed adenocarcinoma, which the report described as the most common form of lung cancer.

During his recovery, Leo had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, met senior aides and celebrated Mass in a hospital chapel, according to the report. The Vatican released its first images of him after surgery Friday.

The Vatican had canceled his audiences through Tuesday. A Latin America trip remains scheduled for Nov. 6-17, leaving about three weeks for further recovery before a journey that includes 12 flights and two helicopter trips.

Pending tests will examine the cancer's molecular and genetic characteristics and whether it extends beyond the removed lobe, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Those findings will help doctors assess the need for further treatment.