Pope Leo XIV's lung recovery progresses after surgery, Vatican reports
The pope's post-operative tests are normal and he has resumed work and Mass from his hospital room, while doctors await further cancer analysis.
Pope Leo XIV’s lung has recovered well following surgery to remove a cancerous nodule, and he returned to work from his hospital room on Thursday, Vatican officials and his doctors said. Post-operative tests remained within normal ranges, and a physiotherapy session included full-mobility exercises, allowing the pope to perform daily activities independently, according to Dr. Luigi Carbone, Leo’s personal physician, and Dr. Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital.
"The chest X-ray revealed good recovery of the operated lung," the doctors reported. "Overall, his postoperative recovery is proceeding as expected."
The Vatican added that Leo reviewed documents and celebrated Mass for a second day in a chapel set up near his room on the 10th floor. The 71-year-old had the lower right lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday after a suspected cancerous nodule was identified; pathology confirmed adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Doctors are awaiting molecular test results to determine whether the disease has spread and whether additional treatment will be needed.
Spokesman Matteo Bruni noted that the pope’s planned pastoral visit to Peru, Uruguay and Argentina from Nov. 6-17 remains unchanged, citing Leo’s own remarks on Sunday thanking supporters for prayers. Leo is expected to stay in the hospital until at least Oct. 20.
The pope’s brother, Louis Prevost, is undergoing treatment for blood cancer, a family source told NBC Chicago. Prevost expressed confidence that early detection would allow the pope to recover and continue his ministry.