Pope Leo XIV will not require additional cancer treatment following surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his right lung, the Vatican announced on Wednesday, October 21. Final medical examinations confirmed that the cancer was localized and had not spread, providing a significant health update for the 71-year-old pontiff after his recent hospitalization. According to his medical team, subsequent oncology assessments determined that no further therapy was necessary following the operation.
The Pope underwent surgery on October 13 at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung after detecting an abnormal growth during routine medical examinations. His personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, confirmed that tissue analyses identified the tumor as pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. Leo was discharged on October 17, four days after the procedure, and has since begun gradually resuming public engagements, including his traditional Sunday Angelus prayer.
The encouraging results bring relief to Catholics worldwide following concerns about the health of the first American pope, who was elected in 2025. Attention now turns to his continued postoperative recovery and upcoming international commitments, including a planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. His surgeon has indicated that there are currently no medical grounds to cancel the journey, although the Vatican has yet to finalize all travel arrangements. While the latest findings indicate that additional cancer treatment is unnecessary, continued medical monitoring remains important as Leo resumes his responsibilities.
Image from Filippo Montefort