Pope Leo XIV is back on his feet. The pontiff was officially discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital just four days after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, according to a new report from BBC News.
The news broke via BBC Southern and Eastern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford, who confirmed the Pope's release on Sunday. The 18-hour-old report includes a photo of the Pope waving from the window of a car, looking alert and offering a brief smile to onlookers as he left the medical facility.
What We Know About the Hospital Stay
The timeline here is remarkably quick. Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Gemelli Hospital for a scheduled lung cancer surgery and was released just four days later. While the Vatican has not yet released a full statement on his current condition or recovery plan, the visual evidence of him waving from a vehicle suggests a positive early recovery.
Gemelli Hospital is the same facility where previous popes have been treated, making it the go-to medical center for the Vatican. The hospital is located just a short drive from the Vatican City walls, allowing for quick transfers and discreet security details.
The Photo That Says It All
The image released by Reuters shows the Pope in the back seat of a dark sedan, leaning slightly forward to wave through the open window. He is wearing his traditional white papal attire, and his expression is calm. For a man who just underwent major surgery for lung cancer, the brief public appearance is a notable moment for the faithful who have been waiting for updates.
The photo was captured as the car pulled away from the hospital grounds, with the reflection of the building's architecture visible on the vehicle's glossy exterior. It's a standard move for the Vatican to allow a brief visual confirmation of the Pope's wellbeing before he returns to his private residence.
Why This Matters
Health updates on the Pope are always closely watched, but lung cancer surgery carries extra weight given the global Catholic population. The fact that he was discharged in just four days is a significant detail. Typically, major lung surgeries require longer hospital stays, but the Vatican's medical team has clearly cleared him for home recovery.
While the BBC report confirms the discharge, it does not specify whether the surgery was successful or what the follow-up treatment will look like. The Pope's medical team will likely monitor him closely at the Vatican, where he has access to round-the-clock care.
What Happens Next
For now, the Pope is expected to rest and recover. There is no word yet on whether he will resume his public schedule immediately or if upcoming audiences will be canceled. The Vatican typically releases a statement within a few days of a hospital discharge to clarify the Pope's condition and any necessary precautions.
This is a developing story. We will update this post as soon as the Vatican releases an official statement on the Pope's recovery and future plans.
Dailendar Editorial Team
Latest verified update: October 18, 2026