Pope Leo resumes some papal duties after surgery, Vatican says
Pope Leo XIV has resumed some work, the Vatican said Thursday, after he had a piece of his right lung removed and received a diagnosis of lung cancer.
Pope Leo, 71 years old, underwent successful surgery for lung cancer at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, reported the Vatican on Thursday. The ailing pontiff had a good night and consumed breakfast. Pope Leo was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent type of lung cancer. Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung during the surgery on Tuesday.
The Vatican confirmed the surgery's success without complications. Blood tests and a chest X-ray on Wednesday revealed normal results. US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance from the US also sent their well wishes to Leo, hoping for his speedy recovery. The cancer diagnosis came as a shock to the faithful, given Leo's relatively young age and energetic nature.
The Pope, elected in May 2025, usually has a busy schedule, and there are plans for a tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17. However, Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori noted that the dates could change due to Leo's recovery time. The Vatican has not disclosed the tumor's size or whether the disease has spread to nearby lymph nodes, crucial elements in determining the prognosis.
Further updates on Leo's condition are expected on Thursday, with the pathology report possibly taking several days to become available.
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- Pope Leo had a good night in hospital as he recovers from lung cancer surgery freemalaysiatoday.com
