Pope Leo will not need further treatment after undergoing lung cancer surgery last week, according to medical evaluations released by the Vatican. The 71-year-old pontiff had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on 13 October and was subsequently diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
Final pathological and molecular analyses of the extracted tissue confirmed the diagnosis and indicated the disease had not spread beyond its original location. The pope’s lead surgeon, Stefano Margaritora, and personal physician Luigi Carbone stated in a joint statement that no additional therapy would be required following oncological review.
The pontiff was discharged from the hospital on Saturday and has begun gradually resuming his regular responsibilities. He returned to St Peter’s Square on Wednesday to conduct his weekly audience with pilgrims. During his hospitalization, Leo continued performing certain duties, including placing a phone call to Vladimir Putin in which he advocated for a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
Questions remain regarding whether the pope will proceed with a scheduled visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru planned for 6-17 November. While Margaritora indicated there were no clinical obstacles to international travel, Vatican officials suggested the pontiff may need to moderate his schedule intensity during recovery. In public remarks, Leo expressed gratitude for prayers and support received, reflecting that his health experience had deepened his connection with those facing illness.
Prior to his cancer diagnosis, the 71-year-old pope was generally regarded as maintaining good health and regularly participated in sports including tennis. He became the first US-born leader of the Roman Catholic Church in May last year.
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