Pope Leo Recovering Well After Lung Cancer Surgery In Rome

Pope Leo XIV is showing a robust recovery following lung cancer surgery, according to medical updates released on Wednesday, October 14. The 71-year-old pontiff is actively walking and consuming food regularly following the procedure conducted on Tuesday, October 13, at Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome. Doctors have reported that his blood tests and chest X-ray results are normal, suggesting a smooth recovery process just one day post-surgery.

The Vatican has not disclosed details about the tumor's size or whether it has spread. During a Sunday, October 11, noon prayer in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo publicly announced the discovery of the nodule, marking a rare level of transparency concerning papal health. Pope Leo stated that the doctors found a localized lung nodule in its early stages, emphasizing that it remained well-localized.

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed that the estimated post-operative recovery time will be around a week. The surgery was performed at Gemelli Hospital, which set up a special papal suite following the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. Lung nodules, small abnormal areas measuring less than three centimeters in diameter, can be either benign or malignant, and surgical removal is often recommended to determine cancerous status.

The Vatican canceled all of Pope Leo's audiences through Monday, October 20, to focus on his recovery. The surgery interrupted a weeklong conference on ministering to families, with discussions on implementing Pope Francis' important document on helping the church better serve families facing contemporary challenges. Pope Leo's decision to personally disclose the news represented a significant shift from centuries of Vatican tradition in guarding health information.

Despite the recovery period, Pope Leo is still scheduled to travel to South America next month, with no changes announced in his planned trip.