Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV is making progress after surgery for lung cancer, with the Vatican reporting encouraging signs of recovery. However, questions remain about the extent of the disease, the possibility of further treatment and his ability to travel internationally next month.
The Pope underwent surgery on October 13 at Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The operation removed the lower lobe of his right lung, and an examination of the tissue confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer.
The Vatican reported that the operation was completed without complications. On October 14, doctors said the Pope was recovering as expected. His blood tests and chest X ray showed results within the expected range following the operation.
The Pope had begun walking in his hospital room, resumed eating normally and received respiratory physiotherapy to support his recovery. The Vatican Press Office also confirmed that he concelebrated Mass with his secretaries in a room specially prepared on the hospital’s tenth floor.
Pope Leo has also expressed gratitude to the faithful for their prayers and support following his surgery. His message was connected to a gathering in Rome marking the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Amoris laetitia, a Church document published in 2016 that focuses on love and family life.
The message provided an opportunity for the Pope to acknowledge the support shown by Catholics during his illness. However, his recovery remains the immediate priority, and the Vatican has not announced that he has fully recovered from the cancer.
Lung adenocarcinoma is a form of lung cancer that develops in glandular cells. Although the affected part of the lung has been removed, the available medical information does not establish the stage of the disease or whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
The Vatican has not disclosed whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or whether further treatment will be necessary. The encouraging signs of early recovery do not, by themselves, establish that the cancer has been completely cured.
The Pope’s health has also raised questions about his official schedule. His public engagements have been cancelled through October 20 as he continues his recovery. It remains unclear when he will be able to resume his normal duties.
Attention is also turning to his planned visit to South America from November 6 to 17. The itinerary includes Uruguay, Argentina and Peru and would involve travel between several countries and a demanding programme of public engagements.
As of October 14, the Vatican had not announced a change to the planned visit. However, Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori indicated that the schedule might need to change depending on the time required for the Pope to recover.
The trip remains subject to the Pope’s recovery and any subsequent decision by the Vatican. The absence of an official change to the itinerary does not guarantee that the visit will proceed as planned.
The Pope underwent surgery after a lung nodule was detected. The examination of the tissue during the operation confirmed the cancer diagnosis, turning earlier concerns about his health into a confirmed medical development.
The coming days will be important in assessing his continued recovery and determining whether further treatment is needed. Updates from the Vatican will also help clarify when he can return to his usual responsibilities.
For now, the Pope’s early progress offers some reassurance, while his long term medical outlook and the November visit remain uncertain.