Pope Francis discharged after successful lung cancer surgery in Rome

Pope Francis was discharged from the San Giovanni di Dio Hospital in Rome on Saturday after a successful operation to remove a cancerous nodule from his right lung. The 84‑year‑old pontiff had been in the hospital for the past week, undergoing evaluation and treatment for a suspected lung tumour that was discovered during a routine check‑up.

The pope’s diagnosis came after a chest X‑ray taken in late February revealed a small, irregular mass in his right lung. Doctors confirmed it was malignant and recommended surgical removal. The Vatican’s medical team, in partnership with specialists at the San Giovanni di Dio complex, performed a minimally invasive lobectomy on March 12. The procedure was followed by a short stay in intensive care, after which the pope was moved to a recovery ward.

Hospital staff reported that the surgery went well and that the tumour was removed with clear margins. A spokesperson for the Vatican’s Health Office said the pope is “in good spirits” and will be monitored closely with follow‑up scans scheduled for the coming weeks. He will resume many of his public duties, although the Vatican will likely reduce his travel schedule in the near term to allow for recovery. The pope’s health has been a source of concern for millions of Catholics worldwide, who have watched his public appearances with a mix of admiration and worry.

The discharge marks a hopeful turn for the pontiff and underscores the importance of early cancer detection, especially for older adults. Pope Francis’s recovery will be closely watched by the Church, as his leadership remains crucial during the ongoing transition of the Vatican’s administrative structure. The Vatican will continue to provide updates on his health, and the pope is expected to return to routine pastoral work, albeit with a more cautious approach to travel and public engagements.