Pope Leo XIV Needs No Further Treatment After Lung Surgery

Pope Leo XIV underwent a 90‑minute operation on 13 October that removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The surgery was performed at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, according to the Vatican statement. It was the first major health event of his 17‑month pontificate. The pope announced the procedure during his Sunday prayers on 11 October.

Final histological tests and molecular biology analyses of the removed tissue confirmed a localized pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The disease had not spread beyond the lung, according to the doctors. Dr. Stefano Margaritora and Dr. Luigi Carbone reported the findings in a Vatican statement. The New York Times noted that the test results showed the cancer was localized.

The Vatican said a subsequent oncological assessment confirmed that no further therapy is required. The statement was released on 19 October. The doctors said the cancer had not spread to lymph nodes. The assessment was based on the final post‑operative tests. The Vatican’s secretary of state indicated the pope may need to adjust his schedule for recovery.

During his hospital stay, the pope made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He urged a ceasefire in the Russian‑occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky. He also called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The calls were reported by the BBC and France 24. The pope returned to St. Peter’s Square for a weekly audience on 19 October.

Pope Leo XIV has a planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November. The Vatican said there was no clinical reason preventing the trip. The secretary of state said the pope may need to adjust the pace of his schedule. The trip includes multiple flights and high‑altitude stops. The pope’s health will be monitored closely.