Pope Leo resumes working, sees top aide in hospital as doctors say lung recovered from surgery

Pope Leo XIV has shown a positive recovery following surgery to remove a cancerous nodule from his lung, according to his doctors and the Vatican. The 71-year-old underwent the procedure to address a suspected adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Post-operative tests indicated that his recovery remained within normal parameters, and his physiotherapy included full mobility exercises, allowing him to perform daily activities independently, as reported by Dr Luigi Carbone and Dr Stefano Margaritora, his personal doctor and the head of thoracic surgery at the Gemelli hospital.

A chest X-ray revealed a good recovery of the operated lung. The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo had resumed his work from the hospital, engaging in document review, and celebrated Mass with other priests in a specialized chapel near his room on the 10th floor. On Tuesday, the Pope had the lower right lobe of his right lung removed after doctors identified the cancerous nodule.

The surgical team is still awaiting test results to determine the exact molecular composition of the cancer, whether it has metastasized beyond the affected lobe, and what further treatments may be required. When asked about potential adjustments to his planned November trip to South America, which includes stops in Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni referenced Pope Leo's remarks on Sunday, when he announced the discovery of the nodule and the upcoming surgery.

The trip is currently projected to continue as scheduled, with Pope Leo expected to remain in the hospital until at least October 20.