Papa Leone Leaves Gemelli and Reassures: 'I’m Much Better'
After surgery to remove a lung nodule, Papa Leone was discharged from Policlinico Gemelli, said he’s feeling better, and could travel to South America in November.
Papa Leone was discharged from Policlinico Gemelli in Rome, one week after surgery to remove a lung nodule, and left the hospital on foot through the main entrance, greeting the people gathered at the exit, according to ANSA.
Hospital discharge at Policlinico Gemelli
The pope left Policlinico Gemelli on foot this Friday and, upon meeting the crowd waiting outside, said in Italian: "Sto molto meglio" (I’m much better), per ANSA’s report. The discharge occurred seven days after the public announcement about the pulmonary nodule that led to the surgical intervention.
As he left the hospital, the pope smiled and greeted those present. Cameras captured his approach to patients and companions; in a notable gesture, the pontiff included a person in a wheelchair with an IV in the salutes. He also greeted doctors and Gemelli officials before heading to the vehicle that would take him to the next steps of the post-operative phase.
Recovery and the surgeon’s statement about the trip to South America
Professor Stefano Margaritora, the surgeon responsible for the operation, described the pope as "an ideal patient" and said that medically, the pontiff could undertake the planned trip to South America in November, according to ANSA.
"È stato un paziente ideale", said Professor Stefano Margaritora, according to ANSA.
The hospital and medical team highlighted favorable clinical evolution and the absence of immediate post-operative complications. Technical details of the surgery were not disclosed beyond noting it was performed to treat a pulmonary nodule; there was also no mention of exact dates for new tests. Public statements focused on the normality of the condition and an optimistic outlook for the papal schedule.
Institutional reactions in Rome
The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, sent wishes for a prompt and complete recovery to the pope, both on behalf of Italy and personally, according to ANSA coverage. The presidential message underscored the wish for a rapid return to full duties.
The Italian Episcopal Conference also expressed “great joy” at the pope’s rapid recovery, as reported to the press. Official reactions emphasize institutional attention to the health of the head of the Catholic Church and the possible maintenance of the international agenda scheduled for the coming months.
Impact on the papal schedule and relevance for Brazil
Medical confirmation that the trip to South America in November remains possible has practical implications for calendars and events tied to the Vatican in the region. For Brazilians and descendants following the papal schedule, keeping the visit opens space for organizing meetings, ceremonies, and pastoral initiatives typically associated with the pope’s travels.
The doctors’ optimistic forecast, combined with discharge from the hospital, is likely to reassure authorities and the faithful about the continuity of the pope’s public activities. Still, international agendas may be adjusted at the last minute for medical or security reasons, and new official Vatican communications—updating details on dates and commitments—will be decisive.
Context and next steps
After leaving Gemelli, the pope will undergo a monitored convalescence phase with routine checkups and exams recommended by the medical team. Gemelli is a hospital with a long tradition of treating institutional figures and had hosted the pope for surgery earlier this week, as reported.
For readers following news about Italy and the Vatican’s agenda, the rapid recovery reinforces the role of Italian medical and administrative institutions in monitoring authorities. The coverage is also relevant to readers in areas such as religious tourism and community life, topics covered in sections like Notícias da Itália and Vida na Itália. Information on diplomatic implications and possible restrictions to the schedule will be released in upcoming official communications.
Conclusion: the pope’s discharge from Policlinico Gemelli and the declaration of good health—along with the surgeon’s approval of the November trip—offer relief to authorities and the faithful, but the final confirmation of the visit will depend on further medical assessments and Vatican and papal team communications.
Source: ANSA
