Pope back on his feet, eating normally following cancer diagnosis
Pope Leo's recovery from surgery is progressing as expected and he has begun walking in his hospital room and eating normally, the Vatican said on Wednesday, after doctors announced the 71-year-old pontiff was being treated for lung cancer.
The Vatican announced Wednesday that 71-year-old Pope Leo is recovering as expected following surgery to remove a nodular lesion on his lung. CBC News and The Korea Times report that the pontiff has begun walking in his hospital room and eating normally. According to The Korea Times, post-operative blood tests and a chest X-ray performed Wednesday showed normal results, and the Pope has undergone respiratory physiotherapy.
The diagnosis of lung cancer has raised concerns regarding the future of the papacy, particularly as Leo was elected in May 2025 and is known for a busy schedule. The Korea Times notes that world leaders, senior cardinals, and Catholics globally have offered prayers following the operation on Tuesday, which involved the removal of part of his right lung.
Despite the illness, the Vatican press office stated that nothing has changed regarding a planned tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru scheduled for November 6 to 17. Channel News Asia noted that while the diagnosis has raised questions about the future of his papacy, the Vatican maintains his recovery is progressing well.
Brief written by urgent.news from CBC News, CBS News, Channel News Asia, The Korea Times — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Pope Leo back on his feet after shock cancer diagnosis koreatimes.co.kr
- Pope Leo back on his feet after shock cancer diagnosis channelnewsasia.com
- What we know about the Pope's lung cancer diagnosis bbc.co.uk
