Pope Leo XIV at the Gemelli, possible discharge today: live updates

Pope Leo XIV is in Rome's Agostino Gemelli Hospital following surgery on Tuesday 13 October. Update for Saturday 17 October.

Unconfirmed report: possible return today. According to la Repubblica (press report, not confirmed), doctors are expected to give the green light today for the Pope's return to the Vatican. There is no confirmation yet from the Press Office or the doctors; on Friday the Press Office said any change to the timeline would be communicated by the doctors.

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.

Angelus and discharge. Matteo Bruni, director of the Press Office, confirmed that the Pope will recite the Angelus on Sunday; place and format are still to be set. la Repubblica suggests he may recite it in St. Peter's Square (unconfirmed report). On discharge, the initial timeline of about a week is unchanged: "We will have to wait for the doctors' indications."

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.

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