Pope Leo XIV does not require additional treatment following surgical removal of a cancerous growth from his lung, his doctors reported. Pathological examination of tissue obtained during the procedure confirmed the presence of lung adenocarcinoma and indicated the disease remained localized, according to a statement released by the Vatican.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation on 13 October, a procedure that lasted 90 minutes and involved removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. He was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital four days following the surgery, pausing to acknowledge well-wishers as he departed the medical facility.
The Pope had previously announced the planned intervention during his weekly Sunday prayers, informing attendees at St Peter’s Square that medical professionals had detected a nodule and that it had been identified at an early stage. Following the operation, images released on Friday depicted him celebrating Mass while hospitalized, wearing green vestments and standing at a makeshift altar.
The pontiff returned to his regular duties, holding his first weekly general audience since discharge on Wednesday at St Peter’s Square. During his recovery period, he engaged in diplomatic communications, including a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding humanitarian concerns in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky and a subsequent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday. Those close to the Pope have indicated his intention to proceed with a scheduled trip to Latin America planned for early November.
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