Pope Leo XIV Thanks Medical Team and Faithful After Hospital Discharge

Vatican City, October 18, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has thanked the doctors, nurses and staff at Rome’s Gemelli Policlinic for their care during his recent hospitalisation, expressing gratitude to all those who prayed for him.

Speaking at the conclusion of the Angelus on Sunday, 18 October, the Pope said, “I have truly felt your support. Thank you!”

He also expressed “special gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and all the staff at the Gemelli Policlinic”, where he underwent surgery on Tuesday to remove a cancerous nodule from his lung.

Reflecting on his experience, Pope Leo XIV said it had helped him feel a particular closeness to people living with illness or infirmity.

The Holy Father was discharged from hospital on Saturday afternoon after blood tests and a chest X-ray confirmed that he was fit to leave. Before his departure, he personally thanked the surgeon who performed the operation, the medical and nursing teams, healthcare staff, the rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and the hospital’s leadership.

Pope to Gradually Resume Activities

Following his discharge, Pope Leo XIV said he would gradually resume his activities, acknowledging the support of God and the prayers of the faithful.

“Now that this delicate phase has passed—as you know—I will gradually resume my activities, always with the help of God and your prayers,” he said.

Ahead of the surgery, the Prefecture of the Papal Household had announced the cancellation of the Pope’s audiences through Tuesday, 20 October.

Courtesy: Vatican News