Pope Leo XIV Declared Free of Further Treatment After Lung Cancer Surgery
Doctors confirmed that Pope Leo XIV's lung adenocarcinoma was localized and no additional therapy is needed, allowing him to resume his duties and upcoming South American trip.
Doctors announced Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV will not require any further treatment following surgery for a lung nodule diagnosed as pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The Vatican press office said final pathology reports confirmed the cancer was localized, and an oncological assessment found no need for additional therapy.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation earlier this month at Rome's Gemelli Hospital after routine tests detected the nodule at an early stage. He was discharged on Saturday and resumed public duties on Sunday, offering a prayer from his papal apartment window.
"This experience has made me feel particularly close to all those who are experiencing illness and a condition of frailty," Leo said, thanking well-wishers.
"Having come through this delicate phase, as you know, I will now gradually resume my activities, always with God’s help and your prayers," he added.
Leo's upcoming 12-day, 19,000-mile trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, scheduled to begin on Nov. 6, remains on track. The itinerary includes multiple flights and two helicopter rides, with a stop in Cuzco at 11,000 feet. Peru holds personal significance for the pope, who previously served as bishop of Chiclayo and holds citizenship there.
"As for a long trip involving air travel in about three weeks, I would say there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place," his surgeon, Prof. Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News, noting that recovery from this type of surgery typically takes a couple of weeks.