Pope Leo XIV will not need further treatment for lung cancer, the Vatican announced Wednesday. Doctors confirmed that the disease had not spread following surgery.
The news about Pope Leo cancer treatment comes after the 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung on October 13. Tests later confirmed that he had adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
The final results showed no signs that the disease had spread.
Pope Leo Cancer Diagnosis: Doctors Confirm No Spread
The pope’s personal doctor, Luigi Carbone, and surgeon Stefano Margaritora shared the latest medical findings.
They confirmed that Pope Leo would not need additional cancer treatment.
Doctors first discovered the lung tumor during routine abdominal examinations.
Margaritora, who leads thoracic surgery at Gemelli Hospital, explained that early detection can make a major difference.
When doctors find lung cancer at an early stage, surgery alone may be enough to treat the disease.
Pope Leo left the hospital on October 17, just four days after his operation. His medical team had initially expected him to stay for a full week.
Since returning to the Vatican, the pope has gradually resumed his duties.
He delivered his traditional Sunday blessing on October 18. He also appeared before the public during his Wednesday general audience.
During his hospital stay, Pope Leo continued handling official matters. These included a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Pope Leo’s Recovery and Planned South America Visit
The Vatican shared the positive medical update ahead of the pope’s planned trip to South America.
Pope Leo plans to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru between November 6 and 17.
His schedule includes several flights and visits to locations at high altitudes.
Despite the demanding itinerary, his surgeon sees no medical reason to cancel the journey.
Margaritora told Vatican News that the pope’s condition should not prevent him from traveling.
Pope Leo first spoke publicly about his lung condition on October 11.
During his Sunday blessing, he told Catholics that doctors had found a lung nodule. He also explained that he would undergo surgery to remove it.
The announcement offered a rare public account of a pope’s medical condition.
The latest results bring encouraging news for Catholics worldwide.
For now, Pope Leo continues his recovery while preparing to return to his regular schedule.
