Pope Leo XIV has been discharged from Rome’s Policlinico Gemelli hospital following a period of treatment that included lung surgery, marking his return to the Vatican after receiving medical care at one of Italy’s leading hospitals.
The head of the Catholic Church left the hospital on foot, accompanied by members of his medical team, and was greeted by a gathering of faithful who had come to see him. The Pope stopped briefly to acknowledge those waiting outside, exchanging greetings and a few words with well-wishers before getting into a car and departing for the Vatican.
His discharge came after doctors determined that he was well enough to leave the hospital. According to information released by the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV is expected to resume his regular public prayer schedule, including the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday, October 18, from the Apostolic Palace.
The return to the Vatican marks an important step following his hospital stay, although his medical team’s assessment remains central to any decisions about his activities in the days ahead.
Pope Leo XIV Leaves Gemelli Hospital After Medical Treatment
The Pope’s departure from Policlinico Gemelli attracted the attention of faithful and other people gathered near the hospital entrance. Walking out alongside medical staff, he appeared in public before making his way toward the vehicle that would take him back to the Vatican.
Rather than leaving without stopping, Leo XIV took a moment to greet the people who had assembled to offer their support. His brief interaction provided an opportunity for those present to see him following his period of hospitalization.
The hospital, located in Rome, is a major medical center that has treated several prominent figures over the years, including previous popes. It is also known for its role in providing specialized care for patients requiring complex medical treatment.
Doctors Approve the Pope’s Discharge
The decision to release Leo XIV followed an assessment by his medical team, which concluded that he could leave the hospital.
A hospital discharge does not necessarily mean that all medical treatment or recovery has been completed. Patients who undergo surgery may still need rest, follow-up examinations and adjustments to their daily routines after returning home.
In the Pope’s case, the Vatican’s announcement indicated that he was expected to resume a familiar part of his public schedule. However, the precise pace of his return to other activities was not detailed in the information provided.
His recovery will remain an important consideration as the Vatican determines how his public appearances and responsibilities should proceed.
Pope Meets Young Ukrainian Cancer Patient Before Leaving
One of the most moving moments before the Pope’s departure took place at the hospital’s main entrance, where he met a young Ukrainian woman receiving treatment for cancer.
The young patient was accompanied by members of her family when she encountered Leo XIV. The two exchanged greetings and words of encouragement, creating a personal moment that went beyond the formalities surrounding the Pope’s discharge.
According to the account of the encounter, the Pope offered support to the young woman and gave her his blessing.
Their meeting carried particular significance because both had experienced health-related challenges. While their medical circumstances were different, the encounter provided an opportunity for the Pope to offer a message of compassion to someone facing a difficult period in her life.
A Personal Moment of Encouragement and Faith
Meetings between the Pope and people facing illness often highlight the Catholic Church’s emphasis on compassion, dignity and spiritual support for those experiencing suffering.
For patients and their families, a serious diagnosis can bring uncertainty, emotional strain and difficult decisions. A brief gesture of encouragement from a religious leader can therefore carry considerable personal meaning, particularly during an extended period of medical treatment.
The encounter with the young Ukrainian patient added a human dimension to Leo XIV’s departure from Gemelli. Instead of focusing exclusively on his own return to the Vatican, the Pope took time to acknowledge another person confronting a health challenge.
The meeting also reflected the importance of family support during illness, as the young woman was accompanied by relatives who were present for the exchange.
No further details about her medical condition or treatment were included in the available account, and her privacy remains an important consideration.
Pope Celebrates Mass Before Returning to the Vatican
Before leaving the hospital, Leo XIV celebrated Mass at noon in a specially designated room on the building’s tenth floor, according to Vatican sources.
The celebration took place shortly before he completed the procedures required for his discharge. After Mass, the Pope finalized the necessary arrangements and departed for the Vatican.
The decision to celebrate Mass before leaving reflected the continued importance of religious observance in his daily life, even during a period of medical treatment.
For the Catholic Church, the celebration of Mass occupies a central place in spiritual life, bringing together prayer, scripture and the Eucharist. The Pope’s celebration inside the hospital also provided a quieter setting before his return to the public responsibilities associated with his position.
Although the hospital stay interrupted his usual routine, the celebration offered an opportunity to maintain an important element of that routine before beginning the next stage of his recovery.
