Pope Leo XIV leaves the Gemelli today: live updates
Official: fit for discharge, return to the Vatican in the early afternoon. Angelus tomorrow at noon from the window of the papal apartment

Pope Leo XIV leaves Rome's Agostino Gemelli Hospital today, where he had been since his surgery on Tuesday 13 October. Update for Saturday 17 October.
Official: the Pope leaves the Gemelli today. "In view of the blood tests and chest X-ray carried out this morning, and after assessing the clinical picture, the Holy Father has been judged fit for discharge," say Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora (statement). According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope will leave the hospital in the early afternoon and return to the Vatican; tomorrow he will pray the Angelus at noon (Rome time) from the window of the papal apartment. At noon today, as yesterday, the Pope is celebrating Mass in the room specially set up on the tenth floor of the Gemelli (Vatican News). This confirms this morning's report by la Repubblica. Full details in our dedicated article.
The facts. According to the 13 October bulletin, the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique; the intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The operation "was successful and there were no complications". On 15 October the doctors reported a "good recovery of the operated lung".
Friday. On Friday at noon the Pope celebrated Mass in the room set up on the tenth floor: for the first time since his admission he presided, distributed Communion and thanked doctors, nurses and staff. In the early afternoon Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora issued a new statement: blood tests and a chest X-ray "confirmed the steady improvement in his general condition"; the Pope carries out normal daily activities "with complete autonomy". In the afternoon, as the Press Office confirmed, Luis Antonio Tagle and Baldassare Reina visited him separately. Audiences remain suspended until Tuesday 20 October.
The Angelus. On Friday Matteo Bruni, director of the Press Office, had confirmed that the Pope would recite the Angelus on Sunday. On Saturday the Press Office said he will pray it at noon (Rome time) from the window of the papal apartment.
Parolin's words. On Friday Pietro Parolin spoke of a "successful operation" and "positive signs". Asked about a precautionary resignation letter, he replied: "No, no. Not that." Trips "will depend on how he comes out of hospital" and on the doctors' advice (SIR).
The November trip. The Press Office published the list of journalists admitted on the papal flight for the trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, from 6 to 17 November. No official decision on the trip has been announced.
The call with Putin. On Friday, from the Gemelli, the Pope spoke by phone with Vladimir Putin, calling for a truce in Oleshky, in the Kherson region, to allow aid in and the evacuation of civilians.
Awaiting the histology. According to Il Messaggero (press reporting, not official), results of the final examination of the tissue, lymph nodes and molecular profile are awaited: a first part could arrive between the weekend and early next week, with full results in at least ten days.
In this live blog Vatican Report gathers official bulletins and verified news, always distinguishing official sources from statements and press reports.
Minute by minute
- Saturday 17 October12:42Latest
The midday Brief
The midday Brief: judged "fit for discharge", the Pope leaves the Gemelli in the early afternoon and returns to the Vatican; tomorrow at noon the Angelus from the window of the papal apartment. From the Bulletin, Edouard Daher elected Archbishop of Petra and Philadelphia of the Greek-Melkites. Read the Brief
OFFICIAL | Pope Leo XIV leaves the Gemelli today
🔴 OFFICIAL | Pope Leo XIV leaves the Gemelli today. "In view of the blood tests and chest X-ray carried out this morning, and after assessing the clinical picture, the Holy Father has been judged fit for discharge," say his doctors, Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora. According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope will leave the hospital in the early afternoon and return to the Vatican. At noon today, as yesterday, the Pope is celebrating Mass in the room specially set up on the tenth floor of the Gemelli, Vatican News reports. Tomorrow he will pray the Angelus from the window of the papal apartment. #LeoXIV #PopeLeo #Vatican
Rome prays for Pope Leo XIV
Rome gathers in prayer for Pope Leo XIV. Today at 3 pm a Mass for peace and for the Pope's health will be celebrated at the Basilica of Santa Maria in via Lata. At 7 pm Pietro Parolin will lead a Marian vigil at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. #LeoXIV #PopeLeo #Vatican #Rome

Pope-Putin call: reactions from Kyiv and the Kremlin
Pope Leo XIV–Putin call, the reactions. Ukraine's Embassy to the Holy See thanked the Pope “for this gesture of solidarity, support and commitment to the people of Oleshky,” noting that Kyiv had “repeatedly appealed to the Holy See at all levels.”
The Kremlin's full readout says the two sides “agreed to cooperate” on civilian safety and supplies for Oleshky, which Moscow calls a “Russian” city. Putin also stressed Russia–Vatican cooperation in defending Christians and holy sites. Both want to continue the dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. #LeoXIV #Vatican #Putin #Ukraine

The Gemelli crucifix comes from the Sisters of Bethlehem in Huelva
The crucifix behind Pope Leo XIV in the first photos from the Gemelli is the work of the Sisters of Bethlehem of the convent in Huelva, Spain. A large replica of it presided over the Mass in Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid, and the Pope brought it with him to the hospital. #LeoXIV #Vatican

Discharge, Angelus and trip: facts and unconfirmed reports
Pope set to leave the Gemelli? La Repubblica says doctors may give the green light today, but there is no official confirmation. The facts and the unconfirmed reports on the Angelus and the trip: read the article #LeoXIV #Vatican

Source: Sala Stampa della Santa Sede

