In brief
Pope Leo XIV has been declared cancer‑free following an operation on October 13 that removed a lung adenocarcinoma. Doctors found the tumour was localised and no additional chemotherapy or radiation is required. After a 90‑minute procedure that removed the lower lobe of his right lung, the 71‑year‑old pontiff returned to St Peter’s Square for his first general audience since the operation. Despite the surgery, the Pope remained active, making diplomatic calls and planning a Latin American trip during the coming weeks. The Vatican’s statement illustrates a swift recovery and offers a fresh perspective on the Pope’s future plans.
Vatican doctors say the pontiff does not need further treatment after the removal of a tumorous growth from his lung.
The 71‑year‑old Pope, who underwent a 90‑minute operation on 13 October, had the lower lobe of his right lung removed. Histology confirmed the mass was an adenocarcinoma and, importantly, the disease was localised, the Vatican statement added.
A subsequent oncological assessment found that no chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other cancer‑fighting measures are required. The Pope was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital over the weekend and returned to St Peter’s Square on Wednesday for his weekly general audience – the first since leaving hospital.
He has kept up his pastoral duties, celebrating Mass while wearing green vestments, and has exercised diplomatic outreach by speaking with Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, urging ceasefire and peace in Ukraine.
The pope has also hinted at an upcoming trip to Latin America scheduled for early November, a journey he did not wish to postpone after his surgery.
