This story has moved on: Pope Leo returns to duties after lung cancer surgery

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 01:08 · Archive

Pope Leo XIV, 71, requires no further treatment after surgery to remove a cancerous lower lobe of his right lung, doctors confirmed.

Pope Leo XIV had the lower lobe of his right lung surgically removed on 13 October at Rome's Gemelli hospital after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. The nodule was discovered by chance during routine abdominal examinations; the pope had experienced no symptoms.

On Wednesday, his lead surgeon Stefano Margaritora and personal physician Luigi Carbone announced that histopathology and molecular testing of the removed tissue confirmed the tumour was localised and had not spread. "A subsequent oncological evaluation has confirmed that no further therapy is required," they said. Surgery alone can be sufficient when tumours are caught very early, as in the pope's case.

The 71-year-old was discharged on Saturday and has already resumed activities. He returned to St Peter's Square on Wednesday for his weekly audience with pilgrims, telling them "Thank you for the support of your prayers." He also appeared at the traditional Sunday blessing from a window overlooking the square. The Vatican said he would gradually resume his full schedule. DW News reports that the pope's surgeon confirmed there was "no clinical reason to cancel" a planned visit to South America in November, involving travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru.

How it is being reported

• Pope Leo will not need further cancer treatment — VaticanPope Leo's lung cancer surgery last week was a success, the Vatican said. The pope broke with traditions of secrecy around papal health issues after announcing he needed surgery to remove a nodule on his lung.DW News · 22 Oct, 00:47
• Pope Leo needs no further treatment after cancer surgery, doctors sayThe 71-year-old leader of the Catholic Church has had the lower lobe of his right lung removed in surgery.Al Jazeera · 22 Oct, 00:20

In this story: Pope Leo XIV · Stefano Margaritora · Luigi Carbone · Rome's Gemelli hospital · Vatican · St Peter's Square · South America

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem