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National Catholic Register

Pope Leo XIV Leaves Gemelli Hospital and Returns to the Vatican

Pope Leo XIV leaves Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, after Tuesday's surgery to remove lung cancer.
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Pope Leo XIV leaves Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, after Tuesday's surgery to remove lung cancer.
The 71-year-old Pope had been admitted last Tuesday and underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.

Vatican: Catholic Priesthood Sees Increase for the First Time in 5 Years

Pope Leo XIV ordains 32 new priests during a Mass for the ordination of new priests in St. Peter's Basilica on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 27, 2025 in Vatican City.
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Pope Leo XIV ordains 32 new priests during a Mass for the ordination of new priests in St. Peter's Basilica on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 27, 2025 in Vatican City.
The Catholic Church has 407,421 priests, 425 more than the previous year. Africa and Asia are driving this growth, while Europe recorded another decline, according to the Vatican agency Fides.

Pope Leo XIV Cleared to Leave Hospital After Successful Surgery

A statement from the Holy See said that Pope Leo XIV would be discharged from Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 17, 2026. Above, the Holy Father celebrates Mass at the hospital on Oct. 16, where he was admitted four days earlier for surgery to remove a tumor from his right lung.
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A statement from the Holy See said that Pope Leo XIV would be discharged from Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 17, 2026. Above, the Holy Father celebrates Mass at the hospital on Oct. 16, where he was admitted four days earlier for surgery to remove a tumor from his right lung.
The Vatican said the Holy Father will lead the Angelus from the Vatican as usual on Sunday.

Vatican Cardinal Visits UK to Promote Interfaith Dialogue and Peace

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad speaks to EWTN News in September 2025.
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Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad speaks to EWTN News in September 2025.
The prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, is in the United Kingdom for the first time meeting with faith leaders.

Pope Leo Speaks With Russian President Putin by Phone

Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, spoke with Pope Leo XIV on Oct. 16, 2026.
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Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, spoke with Pope Leo XIV on Oct. 16, 2026.
Pope Leo XIV and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone while the pope remains hospitalized.

After Deadly Shooting at Bend Elementary School, Catholic Bishops Call for Prayer

Community members grieve during a candlelight vigil at Drake Park on Oct. 15, 2026, in Bend, Oregon, after the deadly mass shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School earlier that day.
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Community members grieve during a candlelight vigil at Drake Park on Oct. 15, 2026, in Bend, Oregon, after the deadly mass shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School earlier that day.
The tragedy that claimed the lives of three students has prompted an outpouring of pastoral care and community support across the state.

Vatican Releases First Photos of Pope Leo XIV Following Surgery

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass on Oct. 16, 2026, in a makeshift chapel on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital, where he has been recovering from lung surgery on Oct. 13, 2026.
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Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass on Oct. 16, 2026, in a makeshift chapel on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital, where he has been recovering from lung surgery on Oct. 13, 2026.
Vatican sources also indicated that the Pope will publicly lead the Angelus this Sunday, although it has not yet been determined whether it will be from the hospital or the Vatican.