Pope Leo XIV Needs No Further Cancer Treatment After Lung Surgery, Vatican Says
The Vatican said Oct. 21 that final test results show Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer was localized to the lobe removed Oct. 13, and his doctors concluded no additional therapy is needed. The 71-year-old pontiff has resumed public duties.
Pope Leo XIV will not need additional cancer treatment after surgery to remove a tumor from his lung, the Vatican announced Wednesday, a week after doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
Final histopathology and molecular testing on the removed tissue showed the tumor was a pulmonary adenocarcinoma that had not spread beyond the lobe, the Holy See Press Office said. After reviewing the results, the pope’s medical team found no need for further therapy.
The statement came from the pope’s personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and Professor Stefano Margaritora, the thoracic surgeon who led the operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 13. Leo, 71, announced Oct. 11 that doctors had advised surgery for a lung nodule. He left the hospital Oct. 17.
First general audience since the operation
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the pope held his first general audience since the surgery in St. Peter’s Square. He rode the popemobile through the crowd and stopped to greet pilgrims, waving to worshippers as babies were held up to him for a blessing, according to The Times.
“Thank you for the support of your prayers,” he told the crowd. “Thanks be to God for his generosity. Let us all renew our trust in God’s goodness and mercy.”
The recovery has been faster than typical for such an operation, CNN reported, citing Dr. Juanita Mora, a national medical spokesperson for the American Lung Association who was not involved in his treatment.
Planned South America trip still on
The medical team said there is no clinical reason to cancel the pope’s planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru starting Nov. 6, though doctors said the high-altitude stop in Cusco will be monitored and the itinerary could be adjusted.
Louis Prevost, one of the pope’s two brothers, told Fox News he was surprised the trip was going ahead. The Vatican’s secretary of state, Pietro Parolin, has indicated the schedule may be eased to allow for recovery.
Reporting based on coverage by People, The Times, and thesun.ng.
