A welcome recovery milestone for Pope Leo after cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV was discharged from the hospital on Saturday after having surgery to remove a cancerous nodule in his lungs.

Why it matters: His discharge clears the way for his rigorous upcoming travel schedule and may alleviate fears of a leadership vacuum at the Vatican.

What they're saying: " In light of the blood tests and chest X-ray performed this morning, and following an assessment of his clinical condition, the Holy Father has been deemed fit for discharge ," The Holy See Press Office said in a Saturday statement attributed to Leo's doctors, Dr.

Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora.

Catch up quick: The Vatican announced Leo would be having surgery to remove a nodule from his lung on Oct.

11, and later said the surgery removed the lower lobe of his right lung.

The Vatican confirmed the surgery was successful on Tuesday, and later said that Leo was walking around, eating normally, and that his blood tests and chest X-rays were normal.

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype of lung cancer, per the Cancer Center, and if caught early, survival rates are very high.

Zoom out: His hospitalization and subsequent cancer diagnosis struck fear into Catholics across the world, who offered him prayers and well-wishes as he recovered.

For example, a group in Chicago, the first American Pontiff's hometown, created a care package for Leo featuring get-well cards and a Chicago White Sox blanket.

The Vatican has not yet said if any additional treatment is needed.

Go deeper: Chicago Catholics pray for Pope Leo XIV after lung cancer diagnosis