Pope Leo XIV has been declared free of the need for additional medical intervention following surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his lung, Vatican officials announced. Pathological examination of tissue extracted during the procedure confirmed the presence of lung adenocarcinoma and established that the malignancy remained localised to the affected area. An oncological review subsequently determined that no supplementary therapy would be required, according to BBC News.
The 71-year-old pontiff departed Rome's Gemelli Hospital over the weekend, five days after undergoing the 90-minute procedure on 13 October, which involved removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. He paused to acknowledge supporters as he exited the hospital grounds. His return to public activity came on Wednesday when he presided over his first weekly general audience at St Peter's Square since his discharge.
The Pope had announced his forthcoming operation during his Sunday prayers before the procedure, informing those assembled in St Peter's Square that medical staff had identified a nodule on his lung. He characterised the discovery as having occurred "at an early stage". The surgical team employed a video-assisted technique, with Professor Stefano Margaritora leading the surgical team, assisted by Professor Elisa Meacci, Dr. Maria Teresa Congedo and Dr. Leonardo Petracca Ciavarella.
Post-operative recovery has progressed favourably. The Vatican reported that the Pope's post-operative blood tests and chest X-ray remained within normal parameters for his stage of recovery, and that he was undergoing respiratory physical therapy while eating regularly. The Vatican had initially scheduled a suspension of papal appointments through 20 October to permit adequate recuperation, though the pontiff's early discharge suggested a faster-than-anticipated recovery trajectory.
During his hospitalisation, the Pope maintained engagement with international affairs. On the same day images emerged showing him celebrating Mass from his hospital bed in green vestments behind a makeshift altar, the Vatican disclosed that he had spoken by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In that conversation, he urged the establishment of a ceasefire in the blockaded Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian food assistance, and appealed for "dialogue and peace". He subsequently held a similar telephone discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday.
What happens next for the Pope?
Those in the Pope's circle have indicated his determination to proceed with a planned journey to Latin America scheduled for early November. The itinerary includes visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, though current reporting has not yet confirmed whether the trip will take place as originally planned given his recent medical intervention.
Key Facts
- Pathology confirmed lung adenocarcinoma localised to the affected tissue; no further treatment deemed necessary
- The 90-minute operation on 13 October involved removal of the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung using video-assisted surgical technique
- The 71-year-old was discharged on his fifth day in hospital, ahead of the Vatican's initial one-week recovery estimate
- The Pope maintained diplomatic engagement during hospitalisation, speaking with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders about ceasefire and humanitarian concerns
- A Latin American tour encompassing Uruguay, Argentina and Peru is tentatively scheduled for early November
