Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on Saturday, October 17, after being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital. He walked out and greeted people waiting for him. The departure marks progress in his recovery, but it should not be interpreted as a declaration of a definitive cure or the end of all follow-up care.
His next announced public appearance is the Angelus on Sunday, October 18, from the window of his study in the Apostolic Palace. At the time this article was completed, that appearance remained scheduled rather than already accomplished. Keeping that distinction clear avoids reporting a future event as a completed one.
What the medical team reported
The operation took place on October 13 for lung adenocarcinoma. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The decision to discharge him followed blood tests, a chest X-ray and an assessment of his clinical condition by the responsible team.
Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora said he met the conditions for leaving hospital. That means his recovery can continue outside that setting. It is not, by itself, a statement about every possible subsequent checkup or treatment.
Recovery is continuing
In an interview released on October 17, Margaritora described satisfactory progress and improvement in lung recovery. He also explained that convalescence still needs time. The available information reflects that medical assessment and does not justify making additional individual predictions about the pope’s health.
He returned at approximately 3:30 p.m. Rome time. Before leaving, he thanked the medical staff and people who had supported him during his hospital stay. Images of the departure show him walking without assistance and acknowledging those gathered outside.
The planned South American trip
The surgeon said that, based on his clinical assessment, he saw no obstacle to the South American journey scheduled for November 6–17. That is an assessment of expected recovery, not a guarantee that the itinerary could never change if his condition required an adjustment.
The immediate news is the discharge and return to the Vatican. Further official updates will show how he resumes his activities. Separating confirmed developments from expectations avoids both overstating his present condition and suggesting that a recovery still underway has already finished.
